The Marble Queen is a cultivar of Echinodorus cordifolius, commonly referred to as the “Amazon Sword” type plant. This particular cultivar displays a distinctive aesthetic thanks to its marbled leaves—green with creamy white variegation—that bring striking contrast to any planted aquarium.

Though it can grow quite large under optimal conditions, it is accessible even to beginner aquarists: it tolerates a range of lighting intensities and is noted as “undemanding but grows best with good nutrient supply”.

Key Features & Benefits

• Variegated foliage: The attractive green-and-white patterning helps the plant stand out among other green-only species.

• Great for background planting: As a rosette-type plant, it forms a visually bold backdrop, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional cover for fish.

• Beginner-friendly: With moderate lighting and proper substrate, the plant establishes well and delivers strong visual impact with relatively little fuss.

• Versatile growth modes: Can be grown submerged or emersed (above water) and adapts to typical tropical aquarium conditions.

Care Instructions (Beginner Friendly)

1. Planting & Substrate
Gently remove the plant from its pot and rinse off transport medium. Plant into a nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquatic plant substrate or fine gravel with root-tabs) as this cultivar is a heavy root-feeder.  Position it in the background or mid-background of the aquarium, leaving space around it for growth.

2. Lighting & CO₂
While the Marble Queen tolerates lower light levels, moderate lighting will bring out the best in leaf colour and growth. CO₂ injection is optional but can enhance growth.  Provide roughly 8-12 hours of light per day.

3. Water Conditions
Maintain water temperature roughly 22-29 °C (72-84 °F) and a pH between approximately 6.5–7.5. Stability in parameters is more important than hitting “perfect” numbers. Regular aquarium maintenance (water changes, filter cleaning) will help.

4. Nutrition & Maintenance
Because this plant sends down strong roots, feeding the substrate is beneficial: root-tabs or enriched soil will support healthy growth. Trim away any dead or transparent leaves promptly. If the plant becomes too large, you may separate off side shoots or divide the rosette to maintain desired size.

5. Potential Issues & Troubleshooting

• Yellowing or loss of variegation: often a sign of insufficient light or nutrient deficiency.

• Slow growth or small leaves: check substrate nutrients, ensure roots are properly planted and not blocked.

• Large size overtaking tank: if leaves reach the surface or overshadow other plants, prune or remove outer leaves or divide the plant.

Suitability & Uses

Ideal for aquarists, including beginners, who want a visually striking plant that is still manageable. Suitable for medium to large aquariums where it can form a bold background element. It also works well in paludariums or tall tanks given its potential size.

Specifications Summary

• Botanical Name: Echinodorus cordifolius ‘Marble Queen’

• Pot Size: 5 cm diameter

• Growth Form: Rosette, background placement

• Lighting: Moderate (tolerates lower)

• Substrate: Nutrient rich, root feeding

• Water pH: ~6.5–7.5

• Temperature: approximately 22–29 °C

• Propagation: Division of shoots/rosettes

Why Choose This Plant?

If you are creating a planted aquascape and want a standout background plant with variegation and strong presence, the Marble Queen offers excellent visual impact. Its relatively forgiving nature (for a variegated cultivar) makes it suitable for less experienced aquarists—provided you choose a substrate with good nutrient content and moderate lighting.