Echinodorus Cordifolius (Marble Queen Sword)

Echinodorus cordifolius ‘Marble Queen’ (the Marble Queen Radican Sword) is a striking, easy-to-care-for variegated sword plant featuring broad, heart-shaped green leaves splashed with creamy-white or yellow marbling. It grows 20–60 cm tall, thrives in temperatures of 22–28°C, and fits well as a mid-to-background centerpiece.

Care and Requirements

Temperature

• 72° – 82° F (22° – 28° C)

Lighting

• Medium to high lighting is required to maintain the vibrant cream and green marbled variegation.

Substrate

• Needs a nutrient-dense substrate or root tabs, as it is a heavy root feeder.

Water Parameters

• Adapts well to a pH of 6.5–7.5 and hard or alkaline water.
• CO2 injection is optional but supports robust growth.

Growth Habit

• Amphibious nature means it frequently sends long-stalked leaves above the water line, making it ideal for open-top aquariums or paludariums.

Propagation

• Reproduces naturally by sending out runners that form small adventitious plantlets (pups).

Additional Features

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Lighting: Low to Moderate
• Origin: Indigenous to North America
• Aquarium Placement: Background
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Maximum Size: 40–60 cm high