Echinodorus harbich is a robust and attractive aquatic plant, ideal for adding texture and greenery to larger aquariums. It features broad, vibrant green leaves and is relatively easy to care for. Here’s how to take care of Echinodorus harbich in an aquarium:

Lighting

• Moderate to High Lighting: Provide moderate to high lighting for best results. While the plant can survive in lower light, brighter light encourages faster growth and better coloration.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22-28°C is ideal for healthy growth.
• pH: 6.5-8.0, though the plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3-12 dGH) is preferred.

Substrate

• Nutrient-Rich Substrate: Echinodorus harbich, like most sword plants, benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate as it’s a heavy root feeder. Aquasoil or a layer of root tabs will provide the necessary nutrients.
• Substrate Depth: A depth of around 5-7 cm (2-3) inches is recommended to accommodate its extensive root system.

CO2 and Fertilization

• CO2: Not essential but can enhance growth and improve overall health.
• Fertilization: Regular liquid fertilizers, especially those with iron and potassium, can improve the plant’s growth. Root tabs can be added every 3-4 months to supply additional nutrients.

Growth and Maintenance

• Size: Echinodorus harbich can grow quite large, reaching heights of 20-50 cm (8-20 inches), making it more suitable for medium to large aquariums.
• Pruning: Occasionally trim the outer, older leaves to promote new growth and maintain the plant’s appearance.

Placement in Aquarium

• Background or Midground Plant: Due to its size, Echinodorus harbich is best placed as a background or midground plant where it can grow without crowding out smaller plants.

Propagation

• Runners or Side Shoots: Echinodorus harbich propagates by producing runners or side shoots. These can be cut and replanted once they develop roots and a few leaves.

Algae Control

• Algae Prevention: Avoid leaving excess nutrients in the water column and ensure proper water flow. Keeping the lighting balanced and performing regular water changes will help prevent algae growth on the plant’s leaves.

Aquascaping Use

• Accent or Feature Plant: With its large, broad leaves, Echinodorus harbich serves well as an accent or focal point plant in aquascaping, especially in South American-themed tanks or biotopes.

With proper care, Echinodorus harbich will grow into a beautiful, lush centerpiece, enhancing the aesthetic of your aquarium.

An interesting fact about Echinodorus harbich is that it's a hybrid plant, created from crossing different Echinodorus species. This hybridization process aimed to combine the best traits of its parent species, resulting in a plant that is not only hardy but also quite striking in appearance with broad, lush green leaves. It is often favoured by aquarists for its ability to thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions, making it a perfect choice for beginners, while still offering visual impact in aquascapes due to its large size and bold presence.