Broadleaf Chain Sword (Echinodorus Quadricostatus)

Product Description

The Broadleaf Chain Sword (Echinodorus Quadricostatus) is a fast-growing, easy-to-maintain aquatic plant that brings vibrant greenery and natural movement to any freshwater aquarium. With its elegant, broad, grass-like leaves and low maintenance requirements, this plant is a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

Perfect for medium-light aquariums, the Broadleaf Chain Sword adds a lush and dynamic look without overcrowding your aquascape. Its sturdy green leaves form dense clusters that enhance the sense of depth in your aquarium, while its fast growth helps fill open areas quickly.

One of the most rewarding traits of this species is its ability to propagate through runners, allowing it to naturally expand and carpet parts of your aquarium over time. You can easily separate the young plants that form on these runners and replant them elsewhere or pot them for propagation.

Whether you use it as a midground highlight in larger tanks or a background filler in smaller aquariums, the Broadleaf Chain Sword adds balance, oxygenation, and a refreshing natural aesthetic to any setup.

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Key Features

Easy to Grow

A hardy and beginner-friendly aquatic plant that thrives in a wide range of water parameters.

Fast-Growing

Quickly spreads and fills your aquarium with lush green leaves, enhancing the overall natural look.

Moderate Light Requirement

Performs best under medium lighting, but also adapts well to slightly lower light conditions.

Compact Yet Bold

Provides rich greenery and visual contrast without overwhelming smaller tanks.

Propagation Through Runners

Produces multiple plantlets along its runners — easy to trim and replant for propagation.

Versatile Placement

Ideal for background or midground placement, depending on the layout and size of your aquarium.

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Specifications

Scientific Name: Echinodorus quadricostatus
Common Name: Broadleaf Chain Sword
Size Range: 6+ inches
Care Level: Easy
CO₂ Requirement: Not Required
Growth Rate: Fast
Placement: Background or Midground
Lighting Requirement: Medium
Color: Green
Maximum Size: 6+ inches
Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Propagation: Runners

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Planting and Care

Planting Method

Plant each specimen in nutrient-rich substrate with adequate space between plants to allow runners to spread freely. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper water circulation and light access.

Lighting and Growth

Provide medium lighting for best results. Under balanced light and nutrients, this plant exhibits bright green leaves and healthy runner development.

Fertilization

While CO₂ supplementation is not required, occasional root tabs or liquid fertilizers will boost growth and leaf coloration.

Maintenance

Minimal maintenance is needed — simply trim older leaves and remove excess runners if they spread beyond your desired layout.

Propagation

The Broadleaf Chain Sword naturally propagates through runners. Once new plantlets form and develop roots, gently separate and replant them in substrate or pots to expand your collection.

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Aquascaping Inspiration

The Broadleaf Chain Sword brings a clean, vibrant texture to planted tanks. It complements taller background plants and carpeting species beautifully, creating layered depth and a natural flow in the aquascape. Its broad leaves make it a great choice for community tanks, offering shelter for small fish and shrimp. Use it as a dense midground feature or as a spreading background accent for a balanced and thriving aquascape design.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the care level of the Broadleaf Chain Sword?

It’s classified as easy to care for, making it perfect for both novice and advanced aquarists.

Does it need CO₂ injection?

No, the Broadleaf Chain Sword does not require CO₂. However, additional CO₂ and fertilization can enhance its growth and color.

How quickly does it grow?

It grows at a fast rate, quickly spreading through runners to form new plants.

Where should I place it in my aquarium?

Best positioned in the background or midground, depending on the tank’s size and aquascape design.

What lighting does it need?

It thrives under medium lighting, though it can tolerate slightly lower levels with slower growth.

How do I propagate the Broadleaf Chain Sword?

It propagates through runners that produce small plantlets. Once they form roots, you can separate and replant them.

What size should I expect on arrival?

Typically around 6+ inches, though actual size may vary slightly depending on growth stage and environmental conditions.

Can it be grown in smaller tanks?

Yes. It performs well in smaller tanks as long as it has sufficient space to spread and light to grow.

Will my plant look exactly like the photos online?

Images are for reference only. Each specimen is hand-selected for health and quality, but natural variation in size and color is expected.