Origin
Echinodorus berteroi (Spreng.) Fassett var. lanceolatus (Engelm. ex S. Wats. & Coult.) Fassett, commonly known as the creeping burhead or spade-leaf sword, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Alismataceae family. This plant is native to North and South America and can be found growing in swamps, rivers, and lakeshores.
Common Names
The creeping burhead has several common names including spade-leaf sword, narrow-leaved burhead, and lance-leaved sword. In Brazil, it is known as "espada-de-santa-bárbara".
Uses
The creeping burhead is mainly used as an ornamental plant in aquariums and ponds due to its attractive foliage and underwater flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to have potential for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions.
General Appearance
The creeping burhead has a root system that is rhizomatous and produces multiple stems that can grow up to 1 meter long. The leaves are narrow, spade-shaped, and grow up to 30 cm long and 3 cm wide. The plant forms small white or pink flowers which emerge above the waterline in the summer and fall months. The fruit produced is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds which can be dispersed by water. Overall, the creeping burhead is a beautiful plant and a great addition to any aquatic environment.
Light Requirements
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus thrives in bright light conditions. It requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight or high-intensity artificial light each day. In low light conditions, the plant may grow taller and thinner, but the leaves can become smaller and less vibrant in color.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm water temperatures between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. It can withstand cooler temperatures of 64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, but growth may slow down, and the leaves may become lighter in color.
Water Requirements
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus requires consistent and ample water flow throughout its environment. It prefers water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5, moderate to high hardness, and a temperature range of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil should always be moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires nutrient-rich soil that is well-aerated and free of toxic chemicals. The ideal substrate should consist of a mixture of sand, clay, and organic matter. The plant prefers a neutral pH around 7.0 but can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils.
Cultivation
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its native habitat includes marshes, swamps, and ponds in the Amazonian region of South America. This plant thrives in an aquarium environment as it provides optimum conditions for its growth. It can be propagated by runners that emerge from the mother plant.
The ideal substrate for growing this plant is a nutrient-rich soil consisting of peat, sand, and vermiculite. A layer of gravel or sand can be added on top of the soil to prevent it from becoming disturbed by the water current in the tank. You can plant Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus directly into the substrate by burying the roots about 2 inches deep into the soil.
Watering Needs
To ensure optimum growth, this plant needs a consistent supply of water that is rich in nutrients. The water in the tank should be maintained at a temperature range of 72°F-82°F and a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The lighting requirements of this plant are moderate, and it requires at least 8 hours of light per day. It is recommended to use a full-spectrum light source to replicate natural conditions.
Fertilization
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus is a heavy feeder and requires a regular supply of nutrients to support its growth. Fertilizers should be added to the water at least once a week to provide adequate nutrient levels. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs can be used to supply essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ensure you do not overfeed the plant to prevent the accumulation of nutrients that can be harmful to other aquatic life in the tank.
Pruning
Regular pruning of this plant is necessary to prevent it from overcrowding the tank and creating unfavorable conditions for other aquatic animals. The plant should be trimmed regularly to maintain its shape and control its height. To prevent damage to the roots, ensure that you cut the leaves at the base of the stem. The trimmed leaves can be replanted to propagate the plant further.
Propagation of Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus, commonly known as Lanceleaf Swordplant, is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium hobbyists. Propagation is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and flourishing aquarium ecosystem. This plant can be propagated through several methods.
Propagation by Runner Production
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus propagates itself by producing runners that develop into new plants. The runners are long stems that grow out of the mother plant, and they appear to be small plants that are attached to the runner through a node. To propagate the plant via runner production, cut the young plants from the runner's maternal plant and then plant them in the desired location. It is essential to ensure that the young plants have adequate light, nutrients, and carbon dioxide for proper growth.
Propagation by Division
The division technique is also viable for propagating Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus. To do this, remove the plant's mature roots and divide the plant into several smaller sections. Carefully trim away any damaged or diseased parts and restore the divided plants to their original environment or new aquarium location. The divided plants will develop a new root system and achieve optimal growth in their new surroundings within a few weeks.
Propagating by Stem Cuttings
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus can also propagate from stem cuttings. To do this, cut a healthy stem from the mother plant and place it in an adequate substrate. Ensure that the cutting stands upright, and the base of the stem should not be too deep in the substrate to allow enough space for growth. The cutting will then develop roots within a few weeks if it receives adequate lighting and nutrients in the new environment.
Disease Management
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus is prone to several types of common plant diseases, which include:
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease is characterized by water-soaked spots on the leaves that later turn brown or black. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Fungal leaf spot: Similar to bacterial leaf spot, this disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Fungal leaf spot is caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. To manage this disease, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Echinodorus berteroi var. lanceolatus is also vulnerable to several types of common plant pests, which include:
- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the environment.
- Spider mites: Tiny, reddish-brown mites that feed on the plant's sap and produce webs on the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites to the environment.
- Mealybugs: Small, white insects that cover themselves in a waxy coating. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the environment.
It is important to regularly inspect plants for signs of disease or pest infestations, as early detection and management can prevent the spread of these issues to other plants in the environment. Additionally, practicing good growing conditions such as proper watering and fertilization can help to prevent diseases and pests from occurring in the first place.
