Propagation of Echinodorus opacus 'Iguazu 2009' - Crown division

The Echinodorus opacus 'Iguazu 2009' is a stunning, still relatively rare aquatic plant. Originating from the river systems around the Iguazu Falls region, this plant is known for its robust nature and ability to adapt to a wide range of water parameters. With its dense foliage and unique coloration, it makes a beautiful addition to aquariums.

Propagating Echinodorus opacus 'Iguazu 2009' can be challenging but rewarding, as this variety does not readily produce runners or adventitious plantlets. Instead, the most effective method of propagation is crown division, which involves carefully separating the plant at its crown.
Before diving into the propagation process, it's essential to understand the structure of Echinodorus species. Like many in the Echinodorus genus, 'Iguazu 2009' is a rosette plant, meaning that it grows from a central base or "crown," with leaves emerging in a circular pattern. The crown is essentially a thickened stem, where all roots and leaves are attached.

Dividing this crown is a methodical process that requires precision, as improper division can damage the plant. With patience and careful handling, crown division can yield multiple plants from a single healthy specimen.

Preparation and required tools

For successful propagation, gather the following materials:

• A healthy plant specimen with a well-developed crown and robust root system
• Sharp, sterilized knife /razor blade to minimize the risk of bacterial infection
• A suitable substrate (such as nutrient-rich aqua soil) for replanting
• Tweezers
• Terracotta pots (if you want to grow them for further propagation - it's simpler)
• Aquarium plant fertilizers (root capsules and/or liquid)

The crown division to half method

The "division to half" technique involves splitting the crown into two portions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Step 1: Remove the plant from the substrate

Carefully uproot the plant from its substrate. Gently shake off any attached substrate particles to expose the roots.

Step 2: Examine the crown and root system

Once the plant is free from the substrate, examine its crown and root structure. The plant should have a sufficiently thick crown and multiple healthy roots. If it appears too thin or weak, it’s better to allow it to grow further before attempting division.

Step 3: Cutting the crown in half

Locate the center of the crown and find where the new leaf will develop. It is best to leave that part intact so that part of the plant continues to grow unhindered.

Step 4: Replanting devided plants

Plant each divided half back into the substrate or in the posts.

Root fertilizer on the bottom.

Bury the roots, but keep the crowns just above the surface.

Top part may have less roots, but it will continue to grow and develop stronger root sistem very soon.

To preventing if from uprooting stainless steel wire can be used as an ancor.

Step 5: Waiting

After 10-15 days bottom part will form a new shoot.

Sometimes it can form 2, even 3 shoots at the same time!

Step 6: Separation of young plants from the mother plant

When a new plant(s) develop at least 2 bigger rounded leaves, they can be separated from a mother plant.

Leaves of the mother plant can start to yellowing/dying off, but that is normal, especially if it has less leaves. This plant had only 2 leaves but still managed to support a new plantlet.

Plantlet can be separated with a sharp knife. Cut close to the mother plant.

Now the plantlet can be pulled out.

And that's it, we have a new plant!

The mother plant can be kept to produce more plantlets. Even if it loses all its leaves, if the crown is healthy, it can create new shoots.

The top of the mother plant will be ready for the next division (using the same method) when at least 3-4 new leaves have grown.