General Description
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is a species of aquatic plant that belongs to the family Alismataceae. It is commonly known as the "dwarf sword" due to its small size. The plant is native to North and Central America and is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its decorative appeal.
Appearance
The Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. has a rosette-style growth pattern and can grow up to 10 cm in height. The plant has lance-shaped green leaves with a slightly darker center vein that can grow up to 10 cm in length. The leaves are smooth and slightly undulated at the edges. The plant produces runners, which allow new plantlets to emerge from the parent plant.
Uses
The Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is a popular choice for aquatic hobbyists as it is easy to maintain, does not require extra care, and can grow in a range of temperatures and lighting conditions. The plant also provides a natural hiding place for fish and helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem in aquariums. In addition, it is used in aquascaping and is often seen in nano-aquariums and planted aquariums.
Common Names
The Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is commonly known as the Dwarf Sword, Tiny Amazon Sword, and Small Chain Sword.
Light Requirements
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. requires moderate to high levels of light, preferably between 2-4 watts per gallon of water. This ensures that the plant has sufficient energy to undergo photosynthesis and grow. If the light levels are too low, the plant will grow slowly and may become susceptible to disease and algae growth. At the same time, high light levels can cause excessive growth and may require frequent maintenance. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between light and growth to maintain a healthy plant.
Temperature Requirements
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. grows best in water temperatures ranging from 72-82°F. Temperatures outside this range may slow down the plant's growth or cause damage to the leaves. Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential to prevent sudden changes that could stress out the plant. Additionally, warmer water temperatures increase the rate of photosynthesis which enhances the plant's growth. However, it is crucial to ensure that the temperature does not get too high as it may create an ideal environment for algae growth.
Soil Requirements
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. prefers a nutrient-rich substrate that is heavy and porous such as sand or gravel. The substrate should be deep enough for the plant's roots to penetrate and anchor the plant firmly. Additionally, the soil should be supplemented with root tabs or fertilizers to provide essential nutrients such as iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These nutrients are crucial for the plant's growth and overall health. The soil should not be disturbed unnecessarily as it may rupture the roots and compromise the plant's stability.
Cultivation methods of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm is an aquatic plant that originates from the northern parts of South America, and it's regarded a dwarf species of Echinodorus. Growing the plant requires setting up a planted aquarium or a dedicated tank with aquatic substrates, nutrients, and proper lighting. Tank size is of significant importance for aquarists intending to grow the aquarium plant. A minimum of 20 gallons is required as it grows up to 12 inches tall.
Watering needs of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm is strictly an aquatic plant, and it grows submerged mostly in freshwater. The plant can handle tropical temperatures ranging from 15-30°C. The aquarium's pH levels should fall between a neutral 6.5-7.5, and water hardness should be under 18 dGH. Regular weekly water changes of 30%-50% are essential to maintain the water's desired parameters and replenish nutrients required for growth.
Fertilization of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Supplements are an essential requirement for the proper growth of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to poor plant growth and decay. Iron supplements are necessary for the aquarium plant's growth and color. CO2 injection works well for high-tech planted tanks, while low tech setups benefit from Seachem Flourish or Seachem Flourish Excel fertilizers. The frequency of adding fertilizers generally depends on the supplements used and the maintenance schedule of the aquarium tank.
Pruning Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Pruning is necessary to prevent Echinodorus parvulus Engelm from outcompeting other aquatic flora in the aquarium tank. If left unchecked, it can grow out of hand and overshadow smaller plants, eventually creating a mess. It's best to trim the plant weekly by removing the damaged or aging leaves at the base of the plant. Overgrown leaves should be pruned and separated if desired to propagate new plants. If the plant becomes too large for the aquarium, it's recommended to remove it and propagate a new plant from the offshoots.
Propagation of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is a popular aquatic plant with attractive foliage. Propagation is an important aspect of its cultivation. The plant can be propagated by various methods.
Division
Division is one of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. This method involves separating the plant's roots and stems into smaller portions and repotting them. The new plants will begin to develop their own roots and establish themselves gradually. The best time to divide Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Runners
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. also produces runners, which are offshoots that grow from the main plant, often at the base. Runners can be removed and replanted to start new plants. When cutting the runners, care should be taken to ensure that each cutting has enough roots to survive on its own.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another means of propagation for Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. The process involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a suitable substrate. The cuttings should have at least one node, where new growth will emerge. Regular pruning of the parent plant will encourage branching and the development of new cuttings for propagation.
Propagation of Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. is relatively simple, and the new plantlets will mature into attractive specimens with lush green leaves and delicate white flowers.
Disease and Pest Management for Echinodorus parvulus Engelm.
Echinodorus parvulus Engelm. or the small Amazon sword is a popular aquatic plant for aquarium owners. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. To ensure the survival and health of the plant, it is essential to understand the common diseases and pests and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect E. parvulus is the fungal infection of root rot. Root rot is caused by the fungus Pythium, which attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include the browning or blackening of the roots, the yellowing or wilting of the leaves, and the poor growth of the plant. To manage root rot, it is crucial to maintain good water quality, avoid overcrowding and to remove any decaying plant material. Fungi can spread quickly, so it is best to act immediately and, if necessary, isolate the infected plant to avoid spreading to other aquatic plants.
Another disease that often affects E. parvulus is the leaf spot disease. Leaf spot is a fungal infection that typically appears as small, brown/black spots on the leaves. The infected leaves usually turn yellow and then die if left untreated. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove any infected leaves and improve the circulation of water. It is also essential to avoid overcrowding and to maintain good water quality regularly.
Common Pests
E. parvulus is also susceptible to a range of pests that can cause severe damage to the plant.
Algae growth is a common issue with aquatic plants, including E. parvulus. Algae usually appear as green or brownish slime on the plant’s leaves, and too much of it can reduce oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of the plant. It is essential to maintain good water quality, control lighting, and reduce nutrient levels in the water to manage algae growth. Regular water changes and cleaning of the aquarium can also help keep algae in check.
Snails and other pests can also damage the plant by chewing on the leaves. Though snails may be helpful in terms of breaking down organic debris in the tank, too many of them can damage the plants. One way to manage snails is by adding fish that feed on them or using snail traps. It is essential to avoid overfeeding in the aquarium, as it can lead to an increase in snails and other pests.
Finally, the plant may be prone to being infested by whitefly, spider-mites and aphids. These insects are typically attracted to weak or stressed plants, so it is necessary to maintain optimal conditions for E. parvulus and use natural insecticide soaps to manage them.
Having a healthy and thriving E. parvulus plant can bring life and beauty to any aquarium. By understanding the common diseases and pests and how to manage them, aquarists can help ensure the longevity and success of the plant.
