Amazon Sword

The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is a popular freshwater aquarium plant renowned for its lush, broad green leaves and robust growth. Native to the Amazon Basin, this plant serves as an excellent background or centerpiece addition, providing a natural habitat and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of aquascapes. Its adaptability and ease of care make it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus bleheri

• Common Name: Amazon Sword

• Origin: Amazon Basin, South America

• Growth Habit: Rosette-forming with large, sword-shaped leaves

• Lighting Requirements: Moderate to high (2.5–4 watts per gallon)

• CO₂ Requirement: Not essential; benefits from supplementation

• Placement: Background or centerpiece

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)

  • pH Level: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 5–12 GH

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under optimal conditions

• Propagation: Via adventitious plantlets on flowering stems.

Why Choose Amazon Sword?

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a lush, tropical look to aquariums with its vibrant green foliage.

• Habitat Enhancement: Provides shelter and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates.

• Versatility: Suitable for various aquascaping styles, including natural and biotope setups.

• Ease of Care: Thrives in a range of water conditions, making it ideal for beginners.

• Nutrient Absorption: Helps in maintaining water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Care Instructions

• Lighting: Provide moderate to high-intensity lighting for 10–12 hours daily to promote healthy growth.

• CO₂ and Fertilization: While not mandatory, CO₂ supplementation and regular dosing with root tabs or liquid fertilizers enhance growth and vitality.

• Substrate: Plant in nutrient-rich substrate to support robust root development.

• Water Flow: Prefers gentle water movement to prevent debris accumulation on leaves.

• Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

FAQs

1. Can Amazon Sword thrive without CO₂ supplementation?
   Yes, it can grow without CO₂, but supplementation enhances growth and leaf density.

2. How tall does Amazon Sword grow?
   Under optimal conditions, it typically reaches heights of 20–50 cm (8–20 inches).

3. Is Amazon Sword suitable for beginners?
   Absolutely. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it ideal for novice aquarists.

4. Can it be grown emersed?
   Yes, Amazon Sword can adapt to emersed conditions in high-humidity environments and may produce flowers.

5. How do I propagate Amazon Sword?
   It propagates through adventitious plantlets that develop on flowering stems; these can be separated and replanted.