Helanthium bolivianum (Latifolius/Xingu)

Helanthium bolivianum (Latifolius/Xingu) is an aquarium plant, also known as Dwarf Sword or Latifolius Sword, that is suitable for foreground or midground placement. It is a fast-growing, South American native that spreads via runners and forms a dense, carpet-like growth, ideal for creating natural-looking layouts. For optimal growth, plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate and provide moderate to high lighting. 

Care and placement 

• Aquarium zone: Best for the foreground or midground, where it can form a dense carpet or a transitional zone.
• Substrate: Thrives in a nutrient-rich substrate. Root tabs can be added if the substrate lacks nutrients.
• Lighting: Moderate to high light is recommended for optimal growth.
• Water parameters: Adapts well to a variety of water conditions, but prefers a pH of 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 20−28∘.
• Trimming: Regular trimming of runners and older leaves is necessary to maintain its compact form and prevent shading. 

Propagation 

• The plant spreads by sending out runners that grow new plantlets.
• When the plantlets are well-developed, they can be separated from the parent plant and replanted to expand the coverage. 

Common names and confusion 

• This plant has been sold under various names, including Echinodorus latifolius and Helanthium bolivianum 'Xingu'.
• It can be hard to distinguish from other Helanthium bolivianum varieties when submerged, so the specific name 'latifolius' or 'Xingu' is used to identify this particular variant.