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Table of Contents
Why are the leaves on my Amazon Sword turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be from poor tank conditions. This may also mean the plant needs nutrients, so look for plant fertilizer containing iron. If leaves turn brown, clear, or become covered with algae, gently trim them off close to the bottom of the stem, trying not to disturb the rest of the plant.
How much light do Amazon Sword plants need?
Amazon Sword plants will also require at least 10 hours of bright light each day. Beyond placement in the tank, Amazon Sword plant care is relatively simple. After transplant into the aquarium substrate or gravel, growers may notice some yellowed leaves. These can be removed carefully from the base of the leaf stem.
Do Amazon swords need liquid fertilizer?
Amazon swords are root feeders first and foremost, so provided they are grown in good aquarium soil, feeding will not be strictly needed. If grown in an inert substrate like sand or gravel though, you’ll want to use aquarium fertilizers suited for rooted plants like root tabs.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
The Amazon sword is one of the best known and most popular aquarium plants in the hobby. Amazon Sword Care is a great stepping stone for beginners to more advanced plants and looks great in any aquarium. One of the Amazon Sword’s best selling points is its ease of maintenance. These plants thrive in low-tech setups and demand very little from the aquarist in terms of maintenance.
Most planted aquarium owners who have an Amazon Sword plant know that they need trimming and shaping. But what else should you do for them? In this blog post you will learn everything about caring for your Amazon swords, from trimming to fertilizing. Don’t worry! It’s a lot easier than it sounds 😁
A brief overview of the Amazon Sword
Scientific Name Echinodorus amazonicus/ Echinodorus bleheri/ Echinodorus grisebachii Common Names Amazon Sword Family Alismataceae Origin Brazil, South America Difficulty Easy Lighting low-high, 40-250 PAR (Umols) Tank Placement Mid-soil or background Plant Flow Rate Low Temperature Range 72 – 82 F Altitude 4 – 20 inch pH range 6.5 – 7.5 Propagation Transplanting from random shoots Growth Rate Moderate Feed Type Root Feeder CO2 Requirement No
origin and habitat
The Amazon sword plant is native to the Amazon basin in the tropical South American rainforests of Brazil. There they grow in slow-flowing or stagnant waters to a depth of 2-3 feet.
What does the Amazon sword look like?
The Amazon Sword is a medium to large sized freshwater aquarium plant. They have an upright habit with many leaves growing from a very short stem. The large leaves stand alone on upright petioles. It is classified as a rosette plant1.
Each leaf has a prominent central vein and side veins that run more or less parallel to the margin.
Emersed, these plants tend to grow shorter, with smaller and wider leaf blades. Submerged plants in the aquarium have leaves that can be up to 16 inches long and 4-8 inches wide.
The leaves are thin but firm and are deep and dark green in color with pointed tips. Amazon swords grow from a well-developed root system. The roots grow by spreading far into the substrate
placement and lighting
It is best to plant your Amazon sword plant in the middle or background of a freshwater aquarium. These aquatic plants grow quite large, so keep this in mind when planning your aquascape.
In nature, the Amazon sword plant grows in environments with fluctuating water depths, so the light intensity varies depending on the season and weather conditions. This makes them fairly adaptable to a range of light intensities.
Amazon swords do not necessarily need strong plant lighting, but grow well in a variety of lighting conditions. Ideally, you should aim for around 2-3 watts per gallon.
If you plan to grow this plant in low light, make sure it is planted in an open area of the tank with good lighting.
Amazon swords are excellent for nature aquariums and can also be used as an accent or specimen plant. They are perfect for Amazon biotopes.
What are good tankmates for Amazon Sword?
The Amazon Swordplant makes a great addition to most nature aquariums and works well with most smaller community fish species.
When considering new animals for your aquarium, remember that each species must be adapted to the same conditions and parameters.
Most tropical freshwater aquarium fish that have the same water parameters as the Amazon sword will make great aquarium mates.
Good tankmates
These plants are often used in South American cichlid and discus aquariums. As a tropical South American plant, they are an obvious choice for Amazon biotopes. Ideal freshwater fish for this type of natural aquarium are:
Some aquarists have been successful in keeping Amazon sword plants in their goldfish tanks. While this is possible, the temperature preferences of both the goldfish and the plant should be considered.
Goldfish will also feed on the plants to some extent, but fortunately Amazon swords are hardy and produce new leaves fairly regularly.
Fish species to avoid
It’s no surprise that freshwater fish like plecos, goldfish, and silver dollars will feed on your amazon swords very quickly.
Large fish like oscars, which tend to disturb plants when feeding or for territorial reasons, should also be avoided, especially if the plant is rooted in a loose substrate like sand. African cichlids are also problematic as they dig up the plant.
The Amazon swordweed will also be on the menu for ramshorn and bladder snails, but these inverts usually only eat leaves that are already unhealthy or rotting.
Feeding Amazon Swords (Fertilization)
In smaller aquariums you will probably want to avoid growing Amazon swords in a nutrient-rich substrate. Growing her in a low-nutrient environment makes it much easier to keep her at a manageable size.
However, regular feeding is definitely appreciated for optimal growth.
How much and how often to feed
Amazon swords are primarily root eaters, so providing they are grown in good aquarium soil feeding is not essential. However, if you are growing in an inert substrate such as sand or gravel, consider using aquarium fertilizer suitable for rooted plants such as root tabs.
Root tabs offer a long-lasting yield, but their performance varies, so follow the directions on the product you have and keep an eye on your plant’s performance.
Even balanced aquarium soil will eventually deplete and supplementing with root tabs can be a good option.
Root-eating aquatic plants can also benefit from column fertilizers, as root tabs often lack some important nutrients. These are the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Tropica Root Tabs are the best in the business when it comes to a complete and affordable root tab product.
Providing macro supplements after each weekly water change is recommended for the most vigorous growth, and Amazon swords will also benefit from regular iron supplementation.
CO2 injection
The Amazon sword plant grows well without CO2 injection. However, maintaining a healthy aquatic plant is all about balance, so CO2 is helpful in some cases.
For example, a plant grown under strong lighting may well develop problems with algae growth on the leaf surfaces if it is not supplied with additional carbon dioxide. A CO2 system could be a good investment if you are planning a mass planted tank or an Amazon biotope setup.
Types of Amazon Sword
Many different Echinodorus plants are available in the aquarium trade. In the hobby things often get a little muddled and the true identity of your plant is not always so certain.
There are 3 species of plants that are often called Amazon Swords. Some say they are all the same while others argue that each deserves its own name.
These types are:
Echinodorus amazonicus
Echinodorus bleheri
Echinodorus grisebachii
Amazon sword care
The Amazon sword plant is fairly easy to care for and requires little maintenance once established in the home aquarium. Amazon swords don’t need much trimming or pruning.
You might want to trim some shoots if the plant is taking up too much space in your aquarium, but it’s better to make sure your aquarium is big enough to accommodate this plant before bringing it home.
When you cut them, be sure to remove the leaf and stem completely. Halved leaves do not survive.
Like all plants, Amazon swords have their preferences, so let’s take a closer look at their needs.
Planted tank parameters
Amazon swords are ideal aquatic plants for tropical aquariums, but can also be grown in slightly cooler water. Your ideal water temperature is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. You should plan for a heater if you’re keeping fish that like warmer water, like bettas or discus.
Amazon swords do best in a fairly narrow pH range and grow best in water with a pH of 6.5-7.5. A water hardness in the range of 8-12°dGH is recommended.
water quality
Amazon swords are not particularly sensitive to water quality and, like most aquarium plants, will improve water quality to some extent by absorbing excess nutrients in the system.
The most important factors for good water quality in a planted aquarium are:
Carry out regular partial water changes
Use a water conditioner when adding new water
Cycle your tank before introducing fish
Stock your aquarium with an appropriate number and size of livestock
Don’t overfeed fish
Use of appropriate filtering
Protecting the beneficial bacteria in your filter media
filter
A quality filter is one of the most important pieces of hardware in the aquarium. This is especially true for planted tanks.
Amazon swords certainly do their part to improve the water quality in the aquarium, but they are no substitute for a good filter. Amazon swords have large leaves that can be sucked against the inlet of your filter, so keep that in mind when choosing where to plant one. These large leaves can potentially be an ammonia producing factory if they break off and are left unattended. Filtration with plenty of biological filtration is recommended. Consider a good quality canister filter for large scapes.
Flow
The Amazon sword plant does not mind a little current in the water. However, they do best in freshwater aquariums with low to moderate currents.
Although this plant can survive the stronger currents found in nature during the rainy season, the Amazon sword is not suited to growing in powerful rivers and will not thrive in these conditions.
aquarium care
Maintenance isn’t the funnest part of our hobby, but it’s probably the most important. Your Amazon Sword Plant, like all your other plants and livestock, will look and live much better in a well maintained tank.
Testing the water conditions
Testing water conditions is an essential part of your regular maintenance routine. This can easily be done using a test kit from your local pet supply store.
It’s best to test your water before bringing home an Amazonian swordplant to ensure your water parameters meet their needs.
Levels of nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia can increase over time, particularly in crowded or unused aquariums. Be sure to test your water just before and immediately after a water change to get a feel for how stable your water conditions are.
How to set up your aquarium for Amazon Sword
A very important success factor in the cultivation of the Amazon sword is the provision of a sufficient substrate depth so that the extensive plant roots can develop fully. Try providing this plant with 2 or 3 inches of substrate.
They are naturally adapted to the fertile soils of the Amazon basin and will therefore appreciate rich aquarium soil.
However, aquarists with smaller aquariums can also grow this plant in a sandy substrate or fine aquarium gravel as this will result in slower growth and a more manageable plant at the end of the day.
Considering the size Amazon swords can reach in good conditions, 20 gallon tanks are the minimum recommended size. However, they can be bred in smaller aquariums, but they will likely dominate something like a 10-gallon aquarium and limit the swimming space for your fish.
How to spread the Amazon sword
Propagating new Amazon swords can be very easy if you have a strong, established plant. The secret is to provide the mother plant with a healthy environment and a little time.
The Amazon sword plant will produce a stolon from its crown that extends a few inches along the surface of the substrate to produce plantlets or daughter plants.
This happens naturally and the plantlets will outgrow their position or they may be displaced. Wait until the seedling has developed strong plant roots of its own and some healthy leaves before separating it from the mother plant.
The seedlings can then be moved around and planted back into the substrate at will, but be advised that these new seedlings are more delicate than mature Amazon swords.
health and sickness
Sign of Health in Amazon Sword
Healthy Amazon sword plants are green in color and produce new leaves regularly. The plant has an upright habit and leaves that are not dull or translucent.
The leaves will grow to full size and be free from algae growth. Mature established plants will send out stolons that will produce daughter plants.
signs of illness
Amazon sword blades that are translucent or turning yellow or brown are occasionally noticed. This is often a sign of a mineral deficiency in the water.
If you notice this problem, try supplementing your plants with iron and macros like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Any discolored or dying leaves should be removed to prevent ammonia production.
This problem should not be confused with the melting that often occurs shortly after planting. Here’s an article from the University of Florida that addresses common fungal problems.
Common health problems and treatment
Melt
Many leaves often die off after you have planted a new aquarium plant in your tank. This is a common problem known as melting.
It happens for several reasons, but it’s important to note that it can happen to even the healthiest of Amazon swords, even in ideal water parameters. Melting occurs as a result of shock when the plant is exposed to conditions other than those in which the plant was grown or maintained.
Aquarium plants are often grown emersed. Once submerged, the existing leaves may not survive this radical change, but that doesn’t mean the entire plant is in trouble. Normally the plant will produce new growth adapted to the new conditions.
It’s important to remove melting leaves from your aquarium before they break down and dissolve in the water. Rotting leaves are not only unsightly, but can also affect water quality.
Diseased or unhealthy leaves should also be removed from healthy, established specimens. This way you can limit the spread of infection to other leaves.
algae growth
Algae growth on the leaves of your plants is a common but frustrating problem. The most common causes of this problem are:
Too much lighting
The lighting duration is too long
The nutrient content of the water is too high
The nutrient content and the CO2 content are too low for the intended lighting
Unfortunately, removing the algae growth will not solve the problem until the root cause is found and fixed.
plant pests
Some keepers report that the Amazon swordplant is susceptible to damage from some pests such as ramshorn and bladder snails. However, these snails are more likely to feed on unhealthy, rotting leaves than healthy plants.
Snails love aquarium plants because they offer great places to hide and feed. When you bring home a new aquarium plant, you often have a few snails hiding among the leaves that you didn’t know about.
If you don’t already have snails in your tank and don’t want to introduce them now, it’s worth carefully inspecting and washing down new amazon swords before adding them to your tank.
Another more extreme but very effective method is to dip your Amazon swords in bleach. However, this can be a risky procedure since bleach is a harmful chemical to both plants and animals.
To do this safely, it’s important to use a very mild mixture of bleach and water. 1 part bleach to 20 parts water is a good strength to kill pests without harming plants.
Even at this weak concentration, prolonged exposure to the bleach will harm your plants, so do not soak for more than 2 minutes and then rinse thoroughly before planting in your aquarium.
Where to buy Amazon sword plants?
Amazon sword plants are one of the most popular aquatic plants in the hobby and are not difficult to find at most stores that sell fish and aquarium plants. If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, Buceplant offers quality tissue culture Amazon swords as well as regular grow plants. This plant is widespread and should therefore be available regularly.
frequently asked Questions
Do Amazon swords need to be planted? This species needs to be planted in order to grow well in the home aquarium. Suitable aquarium substrates are aqua soils or sand and gravel enriched with root tabs. Can amazon swords grow out of water? Amazon swords can be grown emersed or partially submerged. In nature, these plants tend to grow only partially submerged, producing flowers that are visited by butterflies! In a small, open-topped freshwater tank, Amazon swords can grow large enough to break the surface of the water. Do Amazon Sword Plants Need Fertilizer? Amazon sword plants need fertilizer unless they are growing in a plant substrate with good nutrient content. Using slow-release root tabs is an excellent way of feeding when you have an inert aquarium soil such as sand or aquarium gravel. Can Amazon swords grow in low light? Amazon swords can be grown in low light setups, making them a great choice for beginners with low tech setups. In nature, this plant grows in both sunny and shady locations, which means that it is generally quite adaptable to lighting. Do Amazon Swords Need Earth? Planting Amazon swords in soil often produces the best results. However, you can also plant Amazon swords in sand or aquarium gravel. If you walk the dirt or gravel path, don’t forget to enrich the soil with plant food in the form of root tabs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are just starting out with a new aquarium or feel like you have room for just one more species in your planted tank, the Amazon sword definitely deserves your attention. The combination of low-tech requirements, low maintenance and seriously great looks makes this one plant an absolute recommendation.
Have you tried planting an amazon sword? What other plants do you like? Leave us a comment below!
Do Amazon swords need CO2?
Fertilizers & Substrates For Amazon Swords. Amazon swords don’t need Co2 – though they appreciate it. However, they’ll typically fall apart without a nutrient-rich substrate – or at the very least a ton of root tabs – but they’ll do better with both.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
There are a few species sold under the common name “Amazon Sword,” and Echinodorus grisebachii (syn. Echinodorus bleherae or Echinodorus bleheri) and Echinodorus amazonicus are two examples. There are also many outdated names and synonyms or undescribed Echinodorus species that are incorrectly sold as “Amazon swords” instead of just “swords”, adding to the confusion.
Regardless of the type, most people will tell you that Amazon swords are easy to maintain, go crazy fast, and are basically bulletproof. And if you’re like me, this “essentially bulletproof” treat will have you wondering why they always melt and die on you.
But if you find yourself in this situation, rest assured that you are not alone and I will help you get through it. And if you’re considering wanting one, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to get through the often difficult melting phase for these guys.
Disclosure: We are supported by readers! So if you buy a product I recommend, I might make some coffee money at no cost to you.
Table of Contents
FAQ Can I grow Amazon Swords without substrate? Amazon swords have insane root structures, so you need substrate. But you can grow Amazon Swords in a pot if you want a bare-bottomed tank, which is the closest you’ll get. They’ll usually start dropping babies for you much quicker this way, but they won’t grow nearly as big. You will need at least something in the range of 3″ wide and 3″ deep to pull this off successfully, although larger would be better. Can I grow Amazon swords in low light? Also somehow. Amazon swords grow in low to medium light, but not as fast, and they don’t turn the bright green color you’re probably expecting. Instead they will turn a deep green and you will likely struggle to get good growth out of them in very low light conditions. What do Amazon swordflowers look like? A quick note: most aquatic plants only shed their flowers above the waterline, but occasionally they can be seen flowering in the water. The flowers tend to die fairly quickly in the water, so keep an eye on them to avoid rot.
Distribution & Natural Habitat
Contrary to popular belief, these plants don’t typically grow in dark, murky waters. Instead, they’re usually found in swampy areas, bogs, or in the shallow areas of ponds with tons of bright light. You won’t usually find the whole plant submerged in water like you would expect.
Depending on the species, some Amazon swords don’t grow anywhere near the Amazons — or even in South America. Indian Red “Amazon Swords”, for example, actually come from South Africa – contrary to what the name might suggest.
However, most Amazon swords can be found in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile or even some states like Florida, South Dakota and Illinois. But all of these are usually given the wrong common name, “Amazon sword,” rather than whatever their accepted common name is.
aquarium care
From this point on we will focus on Echinodorus bleheri (or Echinodorus grisebachii/bleherae) and Echinodorus amazonicus for the convenience of everyone involved as they are usually called Amazon Swords and their care is so similar.
Difficulty: Average
Size: 20″ (51 cm)
Propagation: stolons
Fertilizer: root
Growth Speed: Moderate
Temperature: 68 – 80F (20 – 26C) pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 12 dKH
Placement: Background
Origin: South America/North America
Aquascaping: Not normally used
Availability: Very common
lighting
Amazon swords do better in intense lighting, but survive in moderate to low light. I would suggest not going under temperate and putting them in a tank that doesn’t have floating plants to block their light.
The brighter their lighting, the greener they become and the faster they grow. Under moderate to low light they will start to turn a darker green. These are two different types, but to give you an idea of the color palette, it will look quite different under different lighting conditions:
High Light Low Light
Of course, with brighter lights you may be inviting algae to move in. To be on the safe side, I’d suggest an adjustable light so you can keep things balanced, but it’s not really necessary if you can’t swing it.
Recommended lighting Fluval Plant 3.0 Light rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $150 – $210 *depending on size
Par: 45 at 24″ Love this light. It’s pricey, so prepare for sticker shock, but it’s worth every penny of the price. It’s a fully customizable, automatic and adjustable light that I can’t get enough of. Also, it doesn’t have a remote, it’s controlled by your phone, so it fixes any issues the Finnex 24/7 had.
You know, like the remote that doesn’t work six months after you bought it. Buy now Finnex Stingray 2 Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $35 – $73 *depending on size
Par: 60 at 24″ The second iteration of the Stingray is a lot better than the first – which was still pretty awesome – and they’ve kept the same super slim design while upping the horsepower. Not to mention that it’s super affordable! Buy now Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Rating: 4.7 stars
Price: $67 – $106 *depending on size
Par: 58 at 24″ My only problem – actually everyone’s problem – is that the remote control gives way. If you don’t care about being able to control it, it’s a great light. If you’re happy that it’s “fully” customizable (it doesn’t compare to the Fluval 3.0) then this probably isn’t the light for you. buy now
Fertilizers & Substrates for Amazon Swords
Amazon swords don’t need Co2 – although they appreciate it. However, they will usually fall apart without a nutrient rich substrate – or at least a ton of root tabs – but they will do better with either. A basic rule of thumb is to load them to the point where you feel crazy, and then load them even more.
However, when it comes to planting, most people make a mistake. You should make sure the crown of the plant is not buried, this is the whitish part of the plant just above the roots where all the stalks of the leaves connect. If you bury that, the whole thing will rot on you.
You also need to make sure the plant is firmly anchored in your substrate. It’s much easier to plant these types in gravel or loosely packed substrate (like Fluval Stratum) than in sand. However, stratum usually floats – which causes some problems – and you can plant them in something like HTH pool filter sand and stuff them with root tabs instead. If you want suggestions for planted substrates, I’ve got the best ones below.
They also develop some pretty intense root structures, so your substrate needs to be deep enough for them to fully spread.
Recommended substrates & fertz Fluval Stratum Plant & Shrimp rating: 4.5 stars
Price: $42.88 for 17 pounds
Price per pound: $2.43 The only bad reviews I found on this were against Fluval itself. There were a few people who had opened bags that were taped secured when buying these directly from Amazon from Fluval . Buyers of Chewy (linked above) did not have this problem. This one seems to be the – almost – undisputed winner among aquarium plant enthusiasts. Buy now CaribSea Eco Complete Rating: 4.3 stars
Price: $20.99 for 20 pounds
Price per pound: $1.05 There are many – and I mean a lot – reports of ammonia spikes killing shrimp and fish when this stuff is first used. Given that you’re going to have to replace this stuff annually — or every two years at most — I wouldn’t do it. I’ve heard amazing rave reviews of this stuff despite the mess and potential spike. I would say just be careful. And maybe keep some Prime handy. Buy now ADA Aquasoil Amazonia Light Rating: 4.8 stars
Price: $26.99 for 7 pounds
Price per pound: $3.85 The Amazonia Light is reportedly easier to use, cleaner and less prone to ammonia spikes than its original Amazonia counterpart. But despite everything, everything I’ve read says it’s just as good as the Fluval Stratum and it comes at a much higher price point. If you are not married to ADA I would suggest Fluval Stratum ADA just based on price. buy now
General problems
The biggest problems people have with Amazon swords is that they melt and die. When you are there; Check your lighting, fertilizer, and planting technique. If all of this is fine, chances are your water chemistry is not stable or is wildly different from the dealer’s tank. So be sure to monitor your chemistry regularly if it’s a relatively new tank. If it doesn’t, there’s a good chance you bought one that was submerged (above water) rather than submerged (underwater) grown.
In both cases there is no way to avoid melting. The best you can do is load it up with fertilizer and hope it recovers. It will likely take between 4 and 6 weeks for them to recover and start regrowing. Just be careful not to throw them away or siphon off the crown during a water change. However, you can (and should!) remove dead or rotted leaves.
If it doesn’t happen after a month or so, make sure you bought Echinodorus bleheri (or Echinodorus grisebachii/bleherae) or Echinodorus amazonicus. All of that aside, there are a few other issues you may have with Amazon swords, all of which are listed below.
Melting Melting is incredibly common in aquatic plants since most of them grow above water. If you rip off the dying parts of the plant before they start to rot, the new water growth should appear soon enough and it will do just fine.
algae
Algae growth is a common problem, it will eventually suffocate or outgrow plants. Algae are a sign of an unbalanced ecosystem, either too much light or too many nutrients in the water, without one of these possibilities they would not be able to prevail.
slow growth
Slow growth is not a problem per se, it is a slow growing plant. It’s more about impatience. If your plant is floating, it is worth anchoring it for better growth. That being said, if your lighting and nutrients seem adequate, it’s a waiting game. Some plants never seem to take off for whatever reason, while others explode with growth right next to them. Maybe their root system grew better or their anchorage was better – whatever the reason – no need to worry. For example, if you’ve had the plant for a year with minimal growth, replanting or re-rooting could be the solution.
Caring for Amazon Swords
You don’t need to do much maintenance for Amazon swords. If they do get algae or diatoms, gently brush their leaves with a used soft toothbrush, metering substrate fertilizer as needed and making sure not to uproot them.
If you’re trying to plant them in a smaller tank, you’ll likely need to do a decent amount of trimming. Simply cut off the longest leaves up to the crown. You can try cutting the leaves in half if you want to shed some height, but they usually die off and look weird afterwards, so it’s easier to cut off the whole “stalk” instead.
Alternatively, you can plant them in a smaller pot and limit their growth. That way you don’t have to constantly struggle to trim them, and they usually start shedding runners in a smaller space much sooner than if you gave them your whole pelvis.
Distribution of Amazon swords
New leaves grow from the inside of the plant (it is a rosette plant). So the plant grows from the inside out, much like a rose. When the plant reaches its full potential size (usually around 18″ or so), it begins to create new Amazonian swordplants by sending out runners. Eventually the stolons will develop their own root systems and once they have done so they can be cut from the mother plant and planted.
If you are working in a smaller space, planting your sword in a pot would speed up this process as it would reach its “full potential” much sooner.
what about fish
Amazon sword plants grow huge, which is certainly an impressive sight when they reach their maximum size! But for some fish, this is far from ideal.
Of course, the best aquarium mates for an Amazon sword are fish, which will not try to eat it. And fish that don’t dig it up because they can’t handle that stress well. In addition, you should consider how much swimming space you have available after it has reached its full potential. Which can be pretty big if you don’t limit it.
So it doesn’t pair well with super active fish like danios or roseline sharks unless you have the swimming space to compensate for that massive plant. Best aquarium mates would be fish that don’t mind intense lighting, like to swim in lots of plants, don’t uproot them, and do well in a 20-gallon aquarium, with the emphasis on the plus.
Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) Chocolate Gourami are a little tricky to keep and need to be kept in groups of six or more. They are peaceful, shy fish that need soft, acidic water to survive and generally do not take prepared food well. pH: 4.0 – 6.5
dKH: 0 – 3
Temperature: 74 – 86 F (24 – 30 C) Size: 2″ (5 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and shy
Swimming: Mid to Lower Hillstream Loach (Sewellia sp.) Not the easiest fish to find and you’ll probably have to order them specially or order them online, but they’re just a pleasure to have! There are nearly 100 species of mountain stream loaches, but most of them remain fairly small and need medium to fast flowing water. They usually thrive better in groups, but researching individual species is definitely recommended. pH: 5.5 – 7.0 – depending on the species
dKH: 8 – 15
Temperature: 72 – 78 F (22 – 26 C) Size: 3″ (8 cm) typically
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Swimming: On structures Loach (Petruichthys sp. ‘rosy’) Loach are best kept in groups of at least 6 individuals and thrive best in planted groups. They are often wild caught, so most of them are in poor condition when you buy them. They also need to be added to a mature aquarium as they do not cope well with environmental fluctuations. pH: 6.5 – 8.5
dKH: 5 – 15
Temperature: 68 – 79 F (20 – 26 C) Size: 1.2″ (3 cm) max
Temperament: Peaceful and active
Swimming: Medium to Low Chocolate Gouramis (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) Chocolate Gouramis are a bit difficult to keep and need to be kept in groups of six or more. They are peaceful, shy fish that need soft, acidic water to survive and generally do not take prepared food well. pH: 4.0 – 6.5
dKH: 0 – 3
Temperature: 74 – 86 F (24 – 30 C) Size: 2″ (5 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful and shy
Swimming: mid to bottom
Corydora (Corydora sp.) While each species is slightly different, all require smooth substrates or bare soil and thrive best when kept in groups of at least six or more. Some larger options would be better here, anywhere from 2.5″ (6.5 cm) and up. Good candidates would be bronze, emerald, sterbai and pepper armored catfish. pH: 5.5 – 7.0 – depending on the species
dKH: 3 – 10
Temperature: 72 – 80 F (22 – 26 C) – species dependent. Size: 1 – 3.5″ (2.5 – 9 cm) – species dependent
Temperament: Peaceful, can be boisterous to less active species
Swimming: In a school of 6 or more at the bottom
African Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi) African Butterflyfish make an interesting and unusual addition to any secure lid aquarium. They are fantastic jumpers, but otherwise they don’t usually move much. They tend to hang around on the surface under vegetation and ambush prey. In addition, they are usually crepuscular. pH: 6.0 – 7.5
dKH: 5 – 15
Temperature: 73 – 86 F (23 – 30 C) Size: 4.8″ (12 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful, but will eat small housemates
Swimming: surface
Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) If you’re up for a little challenge, these guys are super rewarding once you put in some work. They are tiny, clever, curious, likeable and full of cheek – and without salt. pH: 6.8 – 8.0
dKH: 5 – 25
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82 °F) Size: 2.5 cm (1″)
Temperament: Varied
Swimming: Everywhere
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) Angelfish can be aggressive, but usually only when they are spawning or—when not spawning—aggressive toward their own kind. They do best in groups of 6 or more to spread out the aggression, and do not do well with boisterous fish or pincers due to their long pelvic fins. pH: 5.5 – 7.6
dKH: 2 – 20
Temperature: 76 – 86 F (24 – 30 C) Size: 6″ (15 cm)
Temperament: Can be aggressive
Swimming: Everywhere
Bristled Catfish (Ancistrus sp.)
Most catfish are not suited to the average aquarium, with some growing up to two feet long – not the bristle catfish. You’ll happily munch on seaweed, green beans, zucchini, pickles, sinking seaweed waffles, and of course, leftovers and fish poop — although leftovers and poop make for a literally crappy diet. pH: 6.0 – 7.5
dKH: 6 – 10
Temperature: 60 – 80 F (15 – 27 C) Size: 4 – 5″ (10 – 12 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful, can be territorial
Swimming: Wherever there is structure
Sparkling gourami (Trichopsis pumila) Little known fact about sparkling gourami; They are quite social and gregarious creatures! Although they don’t go to school or have crushes, they enjoy social interactions with their own kind – in fact, most gourami do! — and we recommend at least four to make sure they’re comfortable. pH: 6 – 8
dKH: 5 – 18
Temperature: 72 – 81 F (22 – 27 C) Size: 1.5″ (4 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful, can be aggressive when spawning
Swimming: All water
Panda Garra (Garra flavatra) A fun, lively and unique alternative to other algae eaters such as SAE and bristle plecs. These guys can get attached to each other though, so it’s best to just have one or a large group. pH: 6.0 – 7.5
dKH: 2 – 12
Temperature: 72 – 81 F (22 – 27 C) Size: 3.5″ (9 cm)
Temperament: Bold and lively
Swimming: Bottom & Surfaces
Types of Amazon swords
There are a lot of species that are referred to as “Amazon swords” – whether or not they fall under those common names. I have seen some, like the red melon sword, sold as the red Amazon sword, although most people know it by its common name of red melon. And they’re not always sold under their binomial name either, occasionally you’ll see some for sale just labeled “Echinodorus sp.” Amazon Sword.
There are far too many Echinodorus species for me to cover – but I’ll cover the three species I’ve listed in this care guide to give you an idea of what some of the species under that common name are.
Echinodorus grisebachii Also sometimes referred to as Echinodorus bleherae or Echinodorus bleheri – all refer to the same species. They have long, narrow leaves that come to a fine pencil-like point. Echinodorus amazonicus Sometimes mistakenly referred to as a synonym of E. grisebachii or as a synonym of E. grisebachii (it is neither), the leaves of E. amazonicus are broad and come to a broad tip at the end.
Further Reading & Resources
Do Amazon swords need soil?
Amazon Sword plants need nutrient-rich soil, especially rich in iron, in order to thrive. If you need to add soil (also called substrate) to your aquarium tank without removing everything, you can use a PVC pipe, two inches in diameter (5 cm) to deliver the substrate.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
Withered Amazon Sword Leaves will not heal or regain their green glow. As soon as you notice leaves that are translucent, brown, or wilted, you should pluck them from the main plant. You can cut them off with scissors, but you can also just peel them off with your hands. Grasp the leaf as close to the stem as possible and pull upwards. Dead leaves should come off without too much pressure.
Why are my aquatic plants turning yellow?
If the nutrients are not enough, the aquatic plants cannot grow healthily. Once they cannot absorb the nutrients, they will turn yellow. When the nutrients are insufficient, it means aquatic plants should be fertilized. Fertilizers for selecting are base fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, and root fertilizer.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
Many friends have encountered the problem of aquatic plants turning yellow. However, a little knowledge about aquatic plants cannot help us to solve the problem. Today we summarize the five reasons why
aquatic plants
turn yellow. Hope this can help you!
The first reason is that you are keeping a new aquarium and the aquatic plants in the tank have not adapted to this new environment. It is possible for these aquatic plants to turn yellow as they adapt to the new environment. You need to check their roots and see if they are rotting.
The second reason is the lack of light. Because of insufficient light time u
bright
Intensity, aquatic plants cannot photosynthesize and the plants slowly die. Aquatic plants should photosynthesize regularly and quantitatively every day. For normal growth of aquatic plants, they should receive about 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for a set period of time.
The third reason is a nutrient deficiency. If the nutrients are insufficient, the aquatic plants cannot grow healthily. As soon as they cannot absorb the nutrients, they turn yellow. If the nutrients are insufficient, aquatic plants need to be fertilized. Fertilizers to choose from are basic fertilisers, liquid fertilizers and root fertilizers.
The fourth reason is the aging aquatic plants. Aging aquatic plants slowly lose the ability to absorb nutrients and gradually turn yellow, then rot and die. If you have aging aquatic plants in your aquarium, remove them from the tank or cut off their yellow leaves. Otherwise they will affect the water quality of your aquarium.
Are Amazon Swords Hardy?
The Amazon Sword plant is a hardy species, which is part of what makes it so popular among aquarium hobbyists. These plants only require a moderate level of care and they grow well in moderate to strong lighting.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
About the Amazon sword plant
The Amazon sword plant is by far one of the most popular types of aquarium plants among freshwater aquarists. This species is easy to grow and produces lush green foliage that looks very attractive in the aquarium. Known by the scientific name Echinodorus amazonicus, the Amazon sword plant is native to Brazil. This plant is fairly slow growing, but it does get tall, growing up to 1 foot 8 inches. Amazon sword plants make the ideal background plant for planted aquariums because of how large they grow and are self-replicating. It is also interesting that Amazon Sword plants can sometimes grow submerged – this makes them a good addition to terrariums or planting as well as the traditional planted aquarium.
See Also: How to Anchor Live Plants to Driftwood for a Natural Decor
Tank requirements and recommendations
The Amazon sword plant is a hardy species, which is what makes it so popular with aquarium enthusiasts. These plants require only a moderate level of care and grow well in moderate to strong lighting. Like most aquarium plants, Amazon Swords require around 10 to 12 hours of full-spectrum lighting per day. For best growth, make sure your lighting system provides between 2 and 4 watts of lighting per gallon – this will vary depending on the size of your aquarium. To determine how many watts per gallon a particular bulb will provide, simply divide the total number of watts by the gallon size of your aquarium. For example, a 60 watt CFL would provide 3 watts per gallon in a 20 gallon tank.
In addition to lighting, Amazon Swords also require certain nutrients in the aquarium water. These plants grow best in loose soil that provides plenty of iron supplementation. Your Amazon swords get most of their nutrients from the aquarium water (particularly nitrates and phosphates), but a nutrient-rich substrate will help maintain healthy growth. EcoComplete is an excellent option, or you can put a layer of fluorite or laterite under your regular substrate. You may also want to occasionally fertilize your Amazon Swords with a root tab to ensure proper growth.
Related: What aquarium plants need to thrive
As far as water conditions in your planted tank go, Amazon Swords are pretty adaptable. They prefer a temperature range between 72 and 82 degrees with a water hardness between 3 and 8 dKH. The ideal pH range for this species is between 6.5 and 7.5. Testing your tank water weekly is very important to verify and maintain proper conditions in your tank. You must also ensure that you have a strong filtration system in place, in addition to weekly water changes to maintain high water quality in your aquarium. Your filter will help remove waste products from the aquarium water, as will your weekly water changes.
The Amazon Sword plant is a popular species among planted aquarium enthusiasts, and with good reason. Not only is it colorful and beautiful to look at, but it’s also easy to find in pet stores and fairly easy to cultivate as well. If you are looking for a great plant to add to your planted freshwater aquarium, consider the Amazon Sword plant.
Can Amazon Swords live in cold water?
One of the most popular aquarium plants, it will thrive in both tropical set ups and cold-water goldfish tanks.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
One of the most popular aquarium plants, it thrives in both tropical setups and cold-water goldfish tanks. However, the Amazon Sword does not perform well in very cold temperatures.
The plant’s leaves range in color from pale to dark green and have short stalks with long, pointed tips. The plant can grow up to 18 inches tall and is happy to be fully or partially submerged in water.
Caring for Amazon Sword plants
The Amazon sword plant is easy to care for. Although it requires medium to high levels of illumination.
It can either be planted in the substrate or grown in pots.
Amazon Swords are happy with a pH range of 6-8. They need an iron-rich substrate, so using an iron-rich fertilizer in the tank is recommended.
Amazon Swords make a beautiful backdrop when planted at the back of the goldfish tank where they don’t obstruct the view of other plants.
With good care, the plant will last for several years.
Keeping Amazon Sword plants with goldfish
Goldfish are very fond of nibbling on the Amazon Sword plant, making it a good plant choice for a nutritious snack.
However, sword plants grow continuously and produce new leaves. So if your tank isn’t overstocked, it can keep up with demand.
This means that if your goldfish go without food for a few days, they will have a significant share of eating your plants. However, well-fed goldfish are fine.
Where can you buy it
Sword plants are commonly found at aquarium retailers and pet stores. They can also be bought online.
Starter Amazon Swords average around $5.
If you’re buying larger plants or plants grown using tissue culture—a method of near-sterile propagation that works well for sensitive setups—expect the price to rise to around $8.
Do Amazon Swords produce oxygen?
Like many other aquatic plants, the presence of Amazon swords can actually have a positive impact on water conditions. It absorbs carbon dioxide in the water and produces oxygen for your fish. Not only that, but it uses waste and organic debris to grow.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
This guide contains everything you need to know about Amazon sword care. You will also learn how to plant it and how to propagate it!
Summary of Species
The Amazon Sword is a staple for freshwater aquariums! Beautiful, easy to grow and very affordable, it is one of the most common aquatic plants on the market.
Technically, the nickname “Amazon Sword” refers to the entire genus Echinodorus. However, you may see several types of plants sold under this name. Echinodorus amazonicus, Echinodorus grisebachii and Echinodorus bleheri are traded under the same common names.
Author’s Note: Regardless of the type of Amazon Sword you get, the care guidelines are all very similar.
This plant is native to the biodiverse waters of the Amazon Basin. It’s a hardy plant that can adapt to many environments, making it a fantastic choice for most freshwater aquariums. With its strong coloring and dense foliage, it also has a lot to offer to aquarium dwellers.
The benefits of having it in your tank
Whether you have a freshwater tank full of shrimp or shy fish, Amazon sword plants are a must! These plants offer a lot of enrichment for aquarium inhabitants. They are a place to explore, hide and even breed.
Many aquarists like to use them as background plants. A group of Amazon swords can create a dense vegetation jungle. But individual plants can also be the focus.
In any case, the plant is so much more than decorative.
As with many other aquatic plants, the presence of Amazon swords can actually have a beneficial effect on water conditions. It absorbs carbon dioxide in the water and produces oxygen for your fish. Not only that, but it uses trash and organic waste to grow. These plants can also help keep ammonia and nitrate levels in check.
Looks
Although there are a few different types of Amazonian swords, they all share the same basic look. The only difference is the size and texture of the leaves.
Amazon swords are rosette-like plants. They have a bushy appearance with thin stems growing from a central crown of roots.
The plant gets its name from the lanceolate leaves! Each leaf widens near the base before tapering to a point.
You may see varieties with broad or thin leaves. Some even have ruffled edges with defined waves! This gives them a stunning look that many love when aquascaping.
Author’s Note: A healthy plant will have dark green leaves. Brown or red spots are a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients.
size & growth rate
A major benefit of taking care of Amazon swords is that they have a slow growth rate. These plants can thrive and thrive in a well-established freshwater aquarium. However, new growth will appear over time, making the plant much easier to manage than some other popular aquarium species.
Well, that doesn’t mean the Amazon sword won’t grow big! The leaves usually reach about 12 inches in length.
Author’s Note: They can, however, grow to 20 inches or more in a large freshwater tank. If you don’t trim it, an Amazon Sword can easily overfill a smaller tank.
Amazon sword care
There are many reasons why these plants are popular in pet stores. The biggest thing is that taking care of Amazon swords is a pretty simple process! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquascape artist, this is one plant you shouldn’t have any trouble with.
Amazon Swords can add a dramatic look to your underwater environment without much work. As long as you meet the basic requirements below, it should have no problem thriving!
tank size
Amazon swords can grow in small 10 gallon tanks. An aquarium of this size provides more than enough space for the plant to spread while keeping the water levels stable.
However, an aquarium of this size is not enough to let the plant develop its full potential. It’s also not a great size if you plan to have a lot of fish!
We recommend keeping Amazon swords in a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium instead. Larger freshwater tanks provide more vertical space for leaf growth. In addition, the system does not overcrowd any pool residents.
Anything smaller and your plant may need constant pruning to maintain it. Amazon Swords can grow partially submerged, allowing you to push the boundaries by going beyond your tank’s typical limits. But again, a smaller tank will only hamper its development.
water parameters
In the wild, Amazon swords come from a fairly diverse environment. The Amazon Basin is warm and full of life. It’s also the same place that many popular tropical freshwater fish come from!
Therefore, it is not difficult to find suitable water parameters that suit your plant and fish.
Amazon swords are also quite customizable. They thrive easily in a variety of conditions, allowing you to focus on the dwellers without tending to your plant.
Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F
72°F to 82°F pH levels: 6.5 to 7.5 (aim for neutral if possible)
6.5 to 7.5 (aim for neutral if possible) Water hardness: 3 to 8 KH
Author’s Note: While this is a hardy plant, it’s still a good idea to keep a close eye on water levels. Make a habit of using a good quality water test kit to ensure the tank is healthy and stable.
lighting
These plants only need a moderate amount of light to survive. Choose full-spectrum lighting that offers about two or three watts per gallon of water volume.
Providing just the right amount of light for Amazon swords is a balancing act. Too much will lead to algae growth on the leaves. Light algae growth isn’t a big problem, but too much of it could cause health problems for the plant.
On the other end of the spectrum, too little light can cause discoloration. The leaves usually turn brown or red because of the lack of light for photosynthesis.
You may need to experiment a little to get things right. Follow a standard day/night cycle and adjust the lighting schedule to find the sweet spot. Pay attention to the health (and color) of the plant and make adjustments accordingly.
substrate
These plants have robust root systems. The rootstock is large and strong. Even with young plants, the roots can easily spread far and deep.
This allows the Amazon sword to absorb coarser substrate materials than most plants.
It has no problem growing in standard gravel substrates. The roots make their way through the pieces of gravel. As long as the gravel is loose and relatively small, it should root and grow fairly easily.
However, you will likely see better results with a loose plant substrate. Special plant substrates are usually rich in nutrients, which can make it easier for the plant to establish itself.
Author’s Note: Always make sure the substrate does not contain any chemicals or materials that may harm your other aquarium inhabitants.
how to plant it
Planting Amazon sword plants is a straightforward process.
The first thing you should do is inspect and quarantine the plant. The quarantine ensures that the Amazon sword does not introduce any pests or diseases into your primary tank. After at least two weeks in a quarantine tank, you can start preparing his permanent home.
Author’s Note: It should be noted that many aquarists skip this step. While it works most of the time, the results can be disastrous if luck isn’t on your side.
Remove discolored or dying leaves. Amazon swords do not heal on their own, so it’s best to remove any blades that have cuts or scrapes.
Dig a small hole in an area that has plenty of room to grow. A place in the middle of the pool is best. But you can also grow them in front of filters and aquarium plants if you have a larger aquarium.
Set the rootstock firmly in the hole, leaving the crown visible. Do not bury the root crown. It should be visible after planting.
Trimming & Pruning
Thanks to their slow growth, you don’t have to worry about trimming and pruning with Amazon swords. Aside from aesthetic adornments to keep the plant looking clean, this isn’t an area where you’re going to spend a lot of time.
You can cut off old growth as the plant ages. Older leaves are closer to the outside of the bush. Simply pluck off the entire leaf to make room for new developments.
It’s also a good idea to remove diseased leaves, as Amazon Swords can succumb to infection. When this happens, the leaves usually turn black and ragged. Remove affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading to the base of the plant.
Beyond that, just let the plant grow! The main priority for Amazon swords is space. Use trimming to avoid trapping. If the plant has adequate space to thrive, you don’t need to prune at all.
tankmates
At first glance, Amazon swords look pretty sturdy. But don’t let those large leaves fool you. These plants are more delicate than you might think. They can withstand most environments, but wild fish are another story!
Amazon swords are a no go if you have fish that are notorious for uprooting plants or eating leaves. Some of the worst culprits are cichlids, plecos and goldfish!
Larger cichlids like to move these plants around as they see fit. Meanwhile, goldfish eat the leaves when they get hungry. Despite their otherwise gentle nature, plecos slowly scrape off the top layer of leaves on the plant until the Amazon sword dies.
Stick to peaceful fish that will not harm the plant. Smaller fish are usually better as they use the plant for shelter rather than food. Small invertebrates like shrimp and snails are also good choices. You can keep the blades clean without doing any damage like a Pleco would.
Some good Amazon sword armor mates are:
propagation
Most Amazon swords sold today began as reproductions. This plant can reproduce naturally by developing tiny flowers that emerge from long stalks. However, this rarely occurs in an aquarium environment.
Instead, most plants will produce offshoots. These runners appear as long maternal stems. The stem usually sprout from the center of the plant when growing conditions are optimal.
Author’s Note: Runner tribes are easy to identify. At first they look like another leaf starting to grow. However, the branch remains thin and scrawny even if it exceeds the length of the other leaves!
Tiny plants will grow from the stem at various nodes. To maximize the chances of survival, allow the plantlets to develop some roots. Once this happens you can remove them for replanting.
Cut the runner to remove the weeds. Start at the end of the stolon to allow younger daughter plants to continue growing.
After separating them from the primary plant, place them in the substrate. You can secure them with small stones as the roots grow. For best results, increase the CO2 level in the tank a little to encourage plantlet growth.
Conclusion
Taking care of Amazon swords is an extremely simple task. As long as you follow the guidelines and recommendations above, you really shouldn’t have any problems.
The effects this plant can have on the health and aesthetics of your aquarium are amazing. There’s a reason it’s so popular!
If you have any questions about this plant that aren’t answered in the guide, we’re here to help. Just enter what you want to know and submit. We will contact you as soon as possible!
Does Amazon Sword need root tabs?
Fertilize the water column after the weekly water changes to keep the plant healthy and bright green. Iron is the most important nutrient, as well as CO2 root tabs. The Amazon Sword will thrive and grow well even without CO2 supplementation, unlike many plants.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
The Amazon sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is a very popular aquarium plant that, as the name suggests, is native to the Amazon basin. Amazon Sword is usually a generic name for a few different species, the most common being Echinodorus Bleheri and Echinodorus Amazonicus.
Although their functions are slightly different, they basically have the same needs and requirements.
This plant is very common in pet shops around the world and is a very popular plant for beginners as it is very easy to care for and not very fussy.
Overview of the Amazon Sword Plant
Amazon Sword Plant is a bushy plant with a short stem. It originally arose from the middle and lower reaches of the Amazon Basin. The word “sword” refers to their sword-like, uniquely shaped blades that make them different and stunning. Echinodorus plants are found in the US, Colombia, and Cuba. Generally, this plant is sold in markets under the name Paniculatus. Most wild Amazon swords thrive in flora and fauna surrounding the Amazon basin. The plant grows almost 14 inches long and if it is a large plant it can grow up to 15-16 inches.
Because it has excellent advantages such as hardiness and the ability to tolerate different temperatures, it is becoming the most common plant in aquariums around the world. Their toughness and resilience help them survive in all water conditions.
In addition, the price is very low. The cost of the Amazon Sword Plant ranges from $5 to $7 per plant. This price can vary by size, and in some places retailers are offering extra-large plants for $10.
Information Table The Amazon Sword Plant Scientific Name: Echinodorus grisebachii Family: Alismataceae Care Level: Easy Growth Rate: Moderate Maximum Size: 16 inches Minimum Tank Size 10 gallons Water Conditions: 72-82o F; pH 6.5-7.5; 8-15 o dH Lighting: Mild to moderate Propagation: Vegetative; Runner Placement: Midfield
The look of the Amazon sword
Because these plants fall under the genus Echinodorus, they inherit similar appearances, causing them to be confused. This confusion is compounded when aquarists keep one or more species of these plants in aquariums.
The Amazon sword plant is a bushy plant with long leaves. Its leaves grow and reach to the ground, being very thick in the middle and narrowing towards the leaf tip. We can see varieties with broad or thin leaves and some of them have ruffled edges with defined waves making an amazing look for aquascaping.
The Amazon sword size
The typical Amazon Sword plant will grow up to 14 inches at the bottom and 15-16 inches for larger specimens. These plant leaves are extended directly from the roots on thin stems.
The Amazon sword: plant care and tank setup
The Amazon Sword Plant: Tank Size and Specs
Optimum tank size for the Amazon Sword Plant
This plant can grow up to 24 inches tall, it does best in a tank larger than 20-30 gallons. This size provides enough space for the plant to grow vertically and also doesn’t overcrowd the water tank with tank dwellers. The pH of the water should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and the temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The Amazon Sword accepts soft to medium-hard water in aquariums, since its conspecifics thrive in absolutely soft water.
Tank shape for the Amazon sword plant
Since the Amazon Sword plant is very tall, it is preferable to use deep tanks over small, shallow ones. Although the Amazon Sword will survive if partially submerged, planting it in shallow tanks is not a valid reason. This way they cause their runners to be damaged in shallow tanks.
substrate
Although the most preferred substrates are sand, gravel, and aquatic soil, the Amazon Sword plant can grow in any type of substrate. Start by planting the Amazon sword in small-grain gravel or, ideally, a special growing medium. As long as the substrate is fairly loose and 2.5 inches thick for easy rooting, all is well for the amazon plants.
Be very careful when planting it in the sand as it is very easy for large fish to uproot it if the roots are not well developed.
Amazon Sword will make an excellent background plant or centerpiece for large tanks as it grows tall and wide. Avoid planting it in small tanks (under 20 gallons) or constantly trimming the leaves to make room in the tanks. Shallow aquariums cause problems for the growth of your plants and don’t give the fish enough swimming space.
If you plan to grow your plant similar to its wild natives, consider keeping the water level above the leaf blades for optimal growth. In the wild, these plants are submerged in swampy water up to their leaves and thrive in a swampy environment.
Fertilize the water column after the weekly water change to keep the plant healthy and bright green. Iron is the most important nutrient, as are CO2 root tabs. Unlike many plants, the Amazon Sword thrives and grows well without the addition of CO2.
Constantly look for torn or damaged leaves and cut them off as they will not recover. This allows the plant to redirect its energy to healthy extremities and help the aquarium look clean and tidy.
Algae is a common problem for this plant as it lives in warm, tropical water.
Whenever you notice algae growth on the leaves, gently wipe them off so the plant can get all the light and nutrients it can absorb.
Provide 10-12 hours of moderate light per day at about 3 watts per gallon; You can use a special plant bulb or fluorescent tube, as well as a high-quality LED. Strong lighting also encourages algae growth, so be careful not to give too much. Always use a moderate amount of light as too much light will encourage algae growth or even cause ‘burns’ on the leaves.
reproduction
The Amazon Sword reproduces by growing a single stem with random stolons about 3-4 inches apart. These stolons grow into smaller plants and each develop their roots. When fully developed and with strong roots, the plant can be separated from the mother stem and transplanted into the substrate.
Before transplanting, you should cut off the roots at the ends to encourage faster growth. This plant grows with strong roots; So make sure you provide thick enough substrate to support their growth.
Water parameters for the Amazon sword plant
The Amazon Sword plant can grow well in community tank water under certain conditions:
water temperature
The water temperature should be between 72 and 820 F for tropical fish.
PH value
The pH of the aquarium should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and few members suggest that a pH as low as 6.0 is acceptable.
The Amazon Sword Plant Tank landscape
This plant can be kept together with other plants of a contrasting color as it forms a beautiful background for the aquarium. It also serves as a good spot for spawning fish to protect their eggs and other smaller fish from larger, aggressive fish in the tank.
The Amazon sword can only be compatible with plants of the same genus (Echinodorus) and some species of the Alismataceae family. The spade-leaf sword plant (Echinodorus cordifolius) is one of the most preferred plants. It can naturally grow well in a tropical freshwater aquarium. You can keep different types of predatory fish such as tetras or other cichlids in your aquarium. Tetras and other popular species such as gourami, zebrafish, guppies, mollies, pintos, discus and angelfish can also make great additions to your aquarium. In addition, the bottom dwellers or small cleaners keep the tanks clean, thereby improving the overall health of the plant.
Worst plants for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
Avoid large, destructive fish like Plecos, Oscars, Texas Cichlids or Jack Dempseys as they can dig up or rip off the stems. Goldfish will constantly try to pull them out and eat them like any narrow-leaved plant, so only place these two species together if you want to feed your goldfish some lettuce.
Decoration for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
Replace your artificial plants with the sturdy Amazon sword to give your aquarium a natural filter and relieve the mechanical one from some extra load. The wide leaves also offer shy fish a little more privacy.
Lighting for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
The Amazon sword plants appreciate moderately bright light. They will reach their full potential if you provide them with 10-12 hours of light. You can either keep them near sunlight (provided you don’t have fish, as fish don’t live in warm water) or give light, using fluorescent or regular filament. Also, a good ventilation system optimizes the growth rate of these plants.
Amazon Sword plant and tankmate compatibility
Ideal Amazon Sword Plant Tank Mates
Spadeleaf Sword Plant.
Let’s get to the fish, tetras or other cichlids,
tetras or other Characiformes fish,
gourami,
zebra danios,
guppies,
mollies,
platy,
discus and
angelfish
Bad tankmates for the Amazon Sword Plant
catfish,
oscars ,
Texas cichlids or
Jack Dempseys
Facts about Amazon Sword Plant
Most Popular Plant: Less maintenance is required to take good care of the Amazon sword plant. Rather, it is one of the most popular foreground plants for aquarium enthusiasts. When the thick leaves of this plant spread completely over the entire aquarium, its green color comes out and enhances the overall look of your aquarium tank. Adding colorful fish increases the attraction of this aquatic plant. The fish also hide from predators behind their bushy leaves.
High Intensity Lighting: Amazon Sword requires more light. They require moderate light up to 11-12 hours a day for photosynthesis.
Don’t need as much care as you think: Surely beginners can adopt this plant variety since it has an easy level of care. It requires very little maintenance, which will leave you amazed. Once you set the tank conditions with the specified water temperature, lighting, and aquarium pH, it forms the natural environment. Then you don’t have to worry about changing the water in the tank once a week.
Spreads throughout the aquarium: Amazon Sword’s growth rate was quite slow, although it was slow growing and spreading throughout the aquarium.
Are Amazon Swords Right For You?
We recommend choosing this plant if you want to have a small aquarium that will cover the whole tank with its bushes. This plant does not require CO2. It’s a hardy and easy-care plant that doesn’t require a lot of attention, making it an ideal choice for novice aquarists. Even experienced aquarium owners can enjoy this beautiful plant.
Frequent water cycles are an important aspect of this plant. Dirty and polluted water will make the plant sick and die. Apart from that, acidity can also occur. As we know, this plant tolerates any water and several species of animals and fish. It looks very excited with its bushy green leaves spread across the pelvis.
frequently asked Questions
What is the best area to place the Amazon sword plant?
You can place these Amazonian sword plants in community aquariums as they are well-behaved plants. You should not keep this plant together with Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Texas Cichlids, Plecostomus or other roughs as these fish can easily damage the plant leaves.
What should I look out for before buying Amazon sword plants?
First, look for the Amazon sword plant with healthy green leaves. Now check the leaves for holes, tears or brown spots. Next, pick the plant with a sturdy root structure that looks healthy. Do not choose plants with discolored or dying leaves. The best time to buy the plant is when the leaves are turning brown, yellow, or clear.
Is Amazon Sword Care hard?
Caring for the Amazon sword plant is fairly easy as it can grow well in community tank water with specific conditions for aquarium pH, water temperature and lighting. Therefore, it can also be good for beginners. The aquarium pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, the water temperature should be between 72 and 820 F, and the lighting should be moderate to high, which should be between 10 and 12 hours per day.
What is the growth rate of Amazon sword plants?
The growth rate will slow down in low tech aquariums as the plant acclimates to its current environment. Although it can grow up to 12 inches tall, this plant can grow 18 to 20 inches or more under certain conditions. Therefore, it is better to place this plant in tanks with a lot of height, e.g. B. in a 29 gallon aquarium.
Is the Amazon sword sturdy?
Yes, it is a hardy species popular with aquarium enthusiasts. A moderate level of care and moderate to strong lighting are required for this plant. It also needs certain nutrients to grow healthily.
Benefits of Amazon Sword in your tank
If your freshwater tank is stocked with shrimp or shy fish, you will need an Amazon Sword plant in your tank. Aside from providing an area for hiding, exploring and even breeding, this plant provides a lot of enrichment for the aquarium inhabitants. Most aquarists prefer this plant as a background plant, as the group of these plants forms a dense jungle of greenish vegetation. In addition, a single plant can also serve as a cleaner rather than a decorative element in the aquarium. Absorbing the CO2 in the water and producing O2 for the fish in the tank are some of the most interesting benefits of the Amazon sword plant. In addition, it uses the waste and organic waste in the aquarium to grow. The Amazon Sword also keeps ammonia and nitrate levels in check.
Plant an Amazon sword plant
The Amazon sword plant is hardy and can grow well in aquarium gravel. The better choice for this plant is a loosely packed growing medium. The roots of the Amazon Sword plant grow profusely low down and wide across the tank. Therefore, having enough substrate depth to accommodate this plant is a good choice, which will soon result in a very tall plant. The plant roots should be well anchored and you should not bury the crown when planting. Note that the crown of the plant should be visible.
Placing it in the middle of the tank gives this plant enough space to grow and reach its maximum height. Because of its bushy leaves, most aquarium inhabitants use this plant to hide from their predators. The plant substrate you choose should be about 2.5 cm thick, regardless of the material. You can use any substrate for planting; Coarse sand is better for novice aquarists.
Take care of your Amazon sword
Actually, the Amazon sword plant does not need much attention. First, make sure that the Amazon plant has enough space for its horizontal and vertical growth. Trimming is also not necessary. During propagation, simply snip off unwanted shoots and watch as it continues to grow in the tank, its leaves growing larger than the stem itself. Before planting, adding nutrient-rich soil to the tank encourages the propagation of healthier plants.
This plant ends with a blackish outgrowth when the leaves are infected or diseased. At this stage, the leaves of this plant begin to lose their shape and change color.
As we have already discussed, it tolerates any water parameter. The plant will show signs of mineral deficiency if the water in the tank is too soft. In addition, remember that dirty water cannot develop the plant. It is highly recommended to change the tank water by about 20% at least once a week to keep this plant healthy and beautiful. To prevent the symptoms, add to the tank combined supplements containing microelements, almost 0.05 oz. Per 25 gallons should be used once a week.
A few tips for caring for this plant:
No need for supplements. Fish food and fresh water provide the nutrients for this plant.
This plant keeps the water clean and eliminates unwanted compounds.
Failure to follow the lighting regime will make it prone to algae growth. Algae proliferation occurs when the light is left on for a long time. So be sure to comply with the lighting regime.
algae growth on leaves
The Amazon Sword plants grow very slowly and need strong light for many hours, which leads to algae growth. When algae grows on the leaves, it is advisable not to wipe the algae growth leaves as they can tear. To control algae growth in plants, Amano Shrimp, Mystery Snails, Red Cherry Shrimp, Nerite Snails and Otocinclus Catfish are very helpful.
The excess algae will grow on the leaves due to the water conditions in the aquarium and too much light. So pay attention to the water conditions to keep the plant happy by testing and performing regular partial water changes. Lighting is essential for this plant growth that requires hours of strong light.
Conclusion
The maintenance, care and tank requirements of this plant are quite simple. Apart from that, there is no need to add supplements as well. No experience is required to grow this plant. This plant has some beneficial properties that will help your aquarium and the animals present. Therefore, novice growers can certainly easily grow this plant by following some specific conditions.
Does Amazon sword need root tabs?
Fertilize the water column after the weekly water changes to keep the plant healthy and bright green. Iron is the most important nutrient, as well as CO2 root tabs. The Amazon Sword will thrive and grow well even without CO2 supplementation, unlike many plants.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
The Amazon sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is a very popular aquarium plant that, as the name suggests, is native to the Amazon basin. Amazon Sword is usually a generic name for a few different species, the most common being Echinodorus Bleheri and Echinodorus Amazonicus.
Although their functions are slightly different, they basically have the same needs and requirements.
This plant is very common in pet shops around the world and is a very popular plant for beginners as it is very easy to care for and not very fussy.
Overview of the Amazon Sword Plant
Amazon Sword Plant is a bushy plant with a short stem. It originally arose from the middle and lower reaches of the Amazon Basin. The word “sword” refers to their sword-like, uniquely shaped blades that make them different and stunning. Echinodorus plants are found in the US, Colombia, and Cuba. Generally, this plant is sold in markets under the name Paniculatus. Most wild Amazon swords thrive in flora and fauna surrounding the Amazon basin. The plant grows almost 14 inches long and if it is a large plant it can grow up to 15-16 inches.
Because it has excellent advantages such as hardiness and the ability to tolerate different temperatures, it is becoming the most common plant in aquariums around the world. Their toughness and resilience help them survive in all water conditions.
In addition, the price is very low. The cost of the Amazon Sword Plant ranges from $5 to $7 per plant. This price can vary by size, and in some places retailers are offering extra-large plants for $10.
Information Table The Amazon Sword Plant Scientific Name: Echinodorus grisebachii Family: Alismataceae Care Level: Easy Growth Rate: Moderate Maximum Size: 16 inches Minimum Tank Size 10 gallons Water Conditions: 72-82o F; pH 6.5-7.5; 8-15 o dH Lighting: Mild to moderate Propagation: Vegetative; Runner Placement: Midfield
The look of the Amazon sword
Because these plants fall under the genus Echinodorus, they inherit similar appearances, causing them to be confused. This confusion is compounded when aquarists keep one or more species of these plants in aquariums.
The Amazon sword plant is a bushy plant with long leaves. Its leaves grow and reach to the ground, being very thick in the middle and narrowing towards the leaf tip. We can see varieties with broad or thin leaves and some of them have ruffled edges with defined waves making an amazing look for aquascaping.
The Amazon sword size
The typical Amazon Sword plant will grow up to 14 inches at the bottom and 15-16 inches for larger specimens. These plant leaves are extended directly from the roots on thin stems.
The Amazon sword: plant care and tank setup
The Amazon Sword Plant: Tank Size and Specs
Optimum tank size for the Amazon Sword Plant
This plant can grow up to 24 inches tall, it does best in a tank larger than 20-30 gallons. This size provides enough space for the plant to grow vertically and also doesn’t overcrowd the water tank with tank dwellers. The pH of the water should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and the temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The Amazon Sword accepts soft to medium-hard water in aquariums, since its conspecifics thrive in absolutely soft water.
Tank shape for the Amazon sword plant
Since the Amazon Sword plant is very tall, it is preferable to use deep tanks over small, shallow ones. Although the Amazon Sword will survive if partially submerged, planting it in shallow tanks is not a valid reason. This way they cause their runners to be damaged in shallow tanks.
substrate
Although the most preferred substrates are sand, gravel, and aquatic soil, the Amazon Sword plant can grow in any type of substrate. Start by planting the Amazon sword in small-grain gravel or, ideally, a special growing medium. As long as the substrate is fairly loose and 2.5 inches thick for easy rooting, all is well for the amazon plants.
Be very careful when planting it in the sand as it is very easy for large fish to uproot it if the roots are not well developed.
Amazon Sword will make an excellent background plant or centerpiece for large tanks as it grows tall and wide. Avoid planting it in small tanks (under 20 gallons) or constantly trimming the leaves to make room in the tanks. Shallow aquariums cause problems for the growth of your plants and don’t give the fish enough swimming space.
If you plan to grow your plant similar to its wild natives, consider keeping the water level above the leaf blades for optimal growth. In the wild, these plants are submerged in swampy water up to their leaves and thrive in a swampy environment.
Fertilize the water column after the weekly water change to keep the plant healthy and bright green. Iron is the most important nutrient, as are CO2 root tabs. Unlike many plants, the Amazon Sword thrives and grows well without the addition of CO2.
Constantly look for torn or damaged leaves and cut them off as they will not recover. This allows the plant to redirect its energy to healthy extremities and help the aquarium look clean and tidy.
Algae is a common problem for this plant as it lives in warm, tropical water.
Whenever you notice algae growth on the leaves, gently wipe them off so the plant can get all the light and nutrients it can absorb.
Provide 10-12 hours of moderate light per day at about 3 watts per gallon; You can use a special plant bulb or fluorescent tube, as well as a high-quality LED. Strong lighting also encourages algae growth, so be careful not to give too much. Always use a moderate amount of light as too much light will encourage algae growth or even cause ‘burns’ on the leaves.
reproduction
The Amazon Sword reproduces by growing a single stem with random stolons about 3-4 inches apart. These stolons grow into smaller plants and each develop their roots. When fully developed and with strong roots, the plant can be separated from the mother stem and transplanted into the substrate.
Before transplanting, you should cut off the roots at the ends to encourage faster growth. This plant grows with strong roots; So make sure you provide thick enough substrate to support their growth.
Water parameters for the Amazon sword plant
The Amazon Sword plant can grow well in community tank water under certain conditions:
water temperature
The water temperature should be between 72 and 820 F for tropical fish.
PH value
The pH of the aquarium should be between 6.5 and 7.5 and few members suggest that a pH as low as 6.0 is acceptable.
The Amazon Sword Plant Tank landscape
This plant can be kept together with other plants of a contrasting color as it forms a beautiful background for the aquarium. It also serves as a good spot for spawning fish to protect their eggs and other smaller fish from larger, aggressive fish in the tank.
The Amazon sword can only be compatible with plants of the same genus (Echinodorus) and some species of the Alismataceae family. The spade-leaf sword plant (Echinodorus cordifolius) is one of the most preferred plants. It can naturally grow well in a tropical freshwater aquarium. You can keep different types of predatory fish such as tetras or other cichlids in your aquarium. Tetras and other popular species such as gourami, zebrafish, guppies, mollies, pintos, discus and angelfish can also make great additions to your aquarium. In addition, the bottom dwellers or small cleaners keep the tanks clean, thereby improving the overall health of the plant.
Worst plants for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
Avoid large, destructive fish like Plecos, Oscars, Texas Cichlids or Jack Dempseys as they can dig up or rip off the stems. Goldfish will constantly try to pull them out and eat them like any narrow-leaved plant, so only place these two species together if you want to feed your goldfish some lettuce.
Decoration for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
Replace your artificial plants with the sturdy Amazon sword to give your aquarium a natural filter and relieve the mechanical one from some extra load. The wide leaves also offer shy fish a little more privacy.
Lighting for the Amazon Sword plant tanks
The Amazon sword plants appreciate moderately bright light. They will reach their full potential if you provide them with 10-12 hours of light. You can either keep them near sunlight (provided you don’t have fish, as fish don’t live in warm water) or give light, using fluorescent or regular filament. Also, a good ventilation system optimizes the growth rate of these plants.
Amazon Sword plant and tankmate compatibility
Ideal Amazon Sword Plant Tank Mates
Spadeleaf Sword Plant.
Let’s get to the fish, tetras or other cichlids,
tetras or other Characiformes fish,
gourami,
zebra danios,
guppies,
mollies,
platy,
discus and
angelfish
Bad tankmates for the Amazon Sword Plant
catfish,
oscars ,
Texas cichlids or
Jack Dempseys
Facts about Amazon Sword Plant
Most Popular Plant: Less maintenance is required to take good care of the Amazon sword plant. Rather, it is one of the most popular foreground plants for aquarium enthusiasts. When the thick leaves of this plant spread completely over the entire aquarium, its green color comes out and enhances the overall look of your aquarium tank. Adding colorful fish increases the attraction of this aquatic plant. The fish also hide from predators behind their bushy leaves.
High Intensity Lighting: Amazon Sword requires more light. They require moderate light up to 11-12 hours a day for photosynthesis.
Don’t need as much care as you think: Surely beginners can adopt this plant variety since it has an easy level of care. It requires very little maintenance, which will leave you amazed. Once you set the tank conditions with the specified water temperature, lighting, and aquarium pH, it forms the natural environment. Then you don’t have to worry about changing the water in the tank once a week.
Spreads throughout the aquarium: Amazon Sword’s growth rate was quite slow, although it was slow growing and spreading throughout the aquarium.
Are Amazon Swords Right For You?
We recommend choosing this plant if you want to have a small aquarium that will cover the whole tank with its bushes. This plant does not require CO2. It’s a hardy and easy-care plant that doesn’t require a lot of attention, making it an ideal choice for novice aquarists. Even experienced aquarium owners can enjoy this beautiful plant.
Frequent water cycles are an important aspect of this plant. Dirty and polluted water will make the plant sick and die. Apart from that, acidity can also occur. As we know, this plant tolerates any water and several species of animals and fish. It looks very excited with its bushy green leaves spread across the pelvis.
frequently asked Questions
What is the best area to place the Amazon sword plant?
You can place these Amazonian sword plants in community aquariums as they are well-behaved plants. You should not keep this plant together with Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Texas Cichlids, Plecostomus or other roughs as these fish can easily damage the plant leaves.
What should I look out for before buying Amazon sword plants?
First, look for the Amazon sword plant with healthy green leaves. Now check the leaves for holes, tears or brown spots. Next, pick the plant with a sturdy root structure that looks healthy. Do not choose plants with discolored or dying leaves. The best time to buy the plant is when the leaves are turning brown, yellow, or clear.
Is Amazon Sword Care hard?
Caring for the Amazon sword plant is fairly easy as it can grow well in community tank water with specific conditions for aquarium pH, water temperature and lighting. Therefore, it can also be good for beginners. The aquarium pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, the water temperature should be between 72 and 820 F, and the lighting should be moderate to high, which should be between 10 and 12 hours per day.
What is the growth rate of Amazon sword plants?
The growth rate will slow down in low tech aquariums as the plant acclimates to its current environment. Although it can grow up to 12 inches tall, this plant can grow 18 to 20 inches or more under certain conditions. Therefore, it is better to place this plant in tanks with a lot of height, e.g. B. in a 29 gallon aquarium.
Is the Amazon sword sturdy?
Yes, it is a hardy species popular with aquarium enthusiasts. A moderate level of care and moderate to strong lighting are required for this plant. It also needs certain nutrients to grow healthily.
Benefits of Amazon Sword in your tank
If your freshwater tank is stocked with shrimp or shy fish, you will need an Amazon Sword plant in your tank. Aside from providing an area for hiding, exploring and even breeding, this plant provides a lot of enrichment for the aquarium inhabitants. Most aquarists prefer this plant as a background plant, as the group of these plants forms a dense jungle of greenish vegetation. In addition, a single plant can also serve as a cleaner rather than a decorative element in the aquarium. Absorbing the CO2 in the water and producing O2 for the fish in the tank are some of the most interesting benefits of the Amazon sword plant. In addition, it uses the waste and organic waste in the aquarium to grow. The Amazon Sword also keeps ammonia and nitrate levels in check.
Plant an Amazon sword plant
The Amazon sword plant is hardy and can grow well in aquarium gravel. The better choice for this plant is a loosely packed growing medium. The roots of the Amazon Sword plant grow profusely low down and wide across the tank. Therefore, having enough substrate depth to accommodate this plant is a good choice, which will soon result in a very tall plant. The plant roots should be well anchored and you should not bury the crown when planting. Note that the crown of the plant should be visible.
Placing it in the middle of the tank gives this plant enough space to grow and reach its maximum height. Because of its bushy leaves, most aquarium inhabitants use this plant to hide from their predators. The plant substrate you choose should be about 2.5 cm thick, regardless of the material. You can use any substrate for planting; Coarse sand is better for novice aquarists.
Take care of your Amazon sword
Actually, the Amazon sword plant does not need much attention. First, make sure that the Amazon plant has enough space for its horizontal and vertical growth. Trimming is also not necessary. During propagation, simply snip off unwanted shoots and watch as it continues to grow in the tank, its leaves growing larger than the stem itself. Before planting, adding nutrient-rich soil to the tank encourages the propagation of healthier plants.
This plant ends with a blackish outgrowth when the leaves are infected or diseased. At this stage, the leaves of this plant begin to lose their shape and change color.
As we have already discussed, it tolerates any water parameter. The plant will show signs of mineral deficiency if the water in the tank is too soft. In addition, remember that dirty water cannot develop the plant. It is highly recommended to change the tank water by about 20% at least once a week to keep this plant healthy and beautiful. To prevent the symptoms, add to the tank combined supplements containing microelements, almost 0.05 oz. Per 25 gallons should be used once a week.
A few tips for caring for this plant:
No need for supplements. Fish food and fresh water provide the nutrients for this plant.
This plant keeps the water clean and eliminates unwanted compounds.
Failure to follow the lighting regime will make it prone to algae growth. Algae proliferation occurs when the light is left on for a long time. So be sure to comply with the lighting regime.
algae growth on leaves
The Amazon Sword plants grow very slowly and need strong light for many hours, which leads to algae growth. When algae grows on the leaves, it is advisable not to wipe the algae growth leaves as they can tear. To control algae growth in plants, Amano Shrimp, Mystery Snails, Red Cherry Shrimp, Nerite Snails and Otocinclus Catfish are very helpful.
The excess algae will grow on the leaves due to the water conditions in the aquarium and too much light. So pay attention to the water conditions to keep the plant happy by testing and performing regular partial water changes. Lighting is essential for this plant growth that requires hours of strong light.
Conclusion
The maintenance, care and tank requirements of this plant are quite simple. Apart from that, there is no need to add supplements as well. No experience is required to grow this plant. This plant has some beneficial properties that will help your aquarium and the animals present. Therefore, novice growers can certainly easily grow this plant by following some specific conditions.
What are root tabs for aquarium plants?
API ROOT TABS for freshwater aquarium are formulated to supply key nutrients, including iron and potassium and carbon, to help new aquatic plants get off to a vigorous start and to keep established plants flourishing. These nutrients are consumed over time in the aquarium and must be replenished for plants to thrive.
Sword leaves turning yellow.
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Amazon Sword Melting, Dying, Turning Yellow?
See some more details on the topic amazon sword turning yellow here:
Amazon sword turning yellow? – Aquarium Forum Community
Amazon sword turning yellow? … A yellow plant isn’t getting enough iron. But, if you have a reasonable fish load and feed a balanced diet and …
Source: www.aquariumadvice.com
Date Published: 12/11/2021
View: 5361
Sword leaves turning yellow. | UK Aquatic Plant Society
I noticed today that some of the leaves on my Amazon swords are turning yellow. Any eas what it could be. I dose tnc complete.
Source: www.ukaps.org
Date Published: 8/28/2022
View: 7110
yellowing leaves on large amazon swords – Aquarium Forum
Hi, Bad news: The leaves on my new large amazon swords are yellowing. My research indicates that this is symptomatic of iron deficiency.
Source: www.aquariumforum.com
Date Published: 3/17/2021
View: 5750
Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves
Amazon Sword stems are sturdy but their leaves can be delicate. Leaves can crack or tear easily and they cannot repair themselves. Leaves also can turn yellow.
Source: www.aquariumcarebasics.com
Date Published: 2/19/2022
View: 7586
Amazon sword turning yellow? : r/PlantedTank – Reddit
You haven’t shown any photos but by your description it sounds like an iron deficiency. Swords are heavy root feeders and also need a lot of …
Source: www.reddit.com
Date Published: 2/7/2022
View: 6319
Amazon sword plant turning yellow | Betta Fish Forum
+1- If the leaves are turning yellow that soon after being planted, it may well just be adjusting. That being sa, swords are real iron hogs. I …
Source: www.bettafish.com
Date Published: 8/5/2021
View: 6739
Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves
An Amazon sword plant is a common and popular freshwater aquarium plant sold in pet stores today. Hobbyists may find that different stores sell different varieties of plants under the name “Amazon Sword Plant.” One variety, Echinodorus bleheri, has broad leaves. Another variety, Echinodorus amazonicus, has narrower leaves. But either way, varieties of this plant can make a great addition to a freshwater aquarium. Just note that “Amazon Sword Plant” may refer to similar plants that look slightly different.
Questions about an Amazon sword plant generally come from these areas:
Where is the best spot for Amazon sword plants?
What about Amazon Sword Plants and Tank Mates?
What should I look for when buying Amazon sword plants?
Where can I see pictures of Amazon sword plants?
How hard is it to take care of Amazon swords?
Amazon sword plants turn yellow, crack or crack
Is the Growth Rate of an Amazon Sword Plant Fast or Slow?
Amazon sword plants and algae growth
Planting Amazon sword plants
Amazon sword plants and reproduction
Amazon sword plant: background plant
An Amazon Sword makes a great background plant. When planted alone, it can be a striking focal point. Its lush green leaves stand out particularly well against a black background. When planted with others of its kind, an Amazon sword plant can create a dense green “forest-like” effect. In any case, an Amazon sword plant can be just the right plant to hide a suction pipe for a stream filter or aquarium heater.
Amazon Sword Plants and Tank Mates
An Amazon sword plant is a good choice for community aquariums. It’s not really a good choice for aquariums with Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Texas Cichlids or other roughs as these fish can damage plant foliage very easily. The same applies to plecostomas.
Goldfish Note: Goldfish can also be rough on sword plants, so they may not be the best plants for a goldfish tank. That said, when I kept goldfish, I found that it was good for the goldfish to have a swordplant or two in the tank because they’d poked at it from time to time and ate the leaves like they were lettuce. So from that perspective it was a good idea.
Buying an Amazon Sword Plant
Some things to look out for: When purchasing, look for Amazon sword plants with long, healthy green leaves. And make sure they’re as free as possible of holes, tears, or brown spots. Also, try to find plants that have a healthy looking and sturdy root structure. Avoid plants with discolored or dying leaves. If the leaves turn yellow, brown, or clear, it may be best not to purchase the plant.
Amazon Sword Plant image gallery
Amazon Sword plant care pretty easy
The good news is that Amazon Sword plant care is not difficult. This is one of the reasons why this plant is good for beginners. An Amazon Sword can perform well under water conditions in community tanks:
Aquarium pH: 6.5 – 7.5, and some suggest that a pH as low as 6.0 is acceptable.
Water Temperature: Tropical fish area, 72 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lighting: Moderate to strong and between 10-12 hours per day.
Amazon Sword plant growth rate
In low-tech aquariums, the growth rate of an Amazon Sword Plant will be slow and steady once the plant has become accustomed to its new environment. But remember that the Amazon Sword Plant can grow up to 30 cm tall. And under the right conditions, they can grow 18 to 20 inches or more. So an Amazon Sword is a good plant for tanks with a lot of height…like a 29 gallon aquarium. For smaller tanks like a 10 gallon aquarium or tanks with low height, the plant will need a lot of trimming or it can quickly take over.
Plant an Amazon sword plant
An Amazon sword plant is quite hardy and can be planted fairly well in aquarium gravel, but loosely packed plant substrate is a better choice. Her roots will grow quite large and extensive, growing deep and wide throughout the tank. So make sure there is enough substrate depth to accommodate this soon to be very large plant. When planting, make sure the plant roots are well anchored, but be careful not to bury the crown. The crown of the plant should be above the substrate and visible to the eye.
Leaves turn yellow, crack, tear and algae
It’s not uncommon for some Amazon Sword leaves to start dying shortly after being added to a tank. If this happens, don’t panic. Simply cut off the dead or dying leaves on the stem from the underside of the plant. As long as all other conditions are right, the plant should get used to its new home and start producing new leaves.
An Amazon sword plant can have a small, stocky rhizome. Its stems are on the short side and its leaves are on the long side. Young leaves grow out from the center of the plant and unfold from the center. This places the older leaves on the outer layers. Young leaves are usually thin and light green when they first emerge, becoming thicker and darker green as the leaves mature.
Amazon Sword stems are sturdy, but their leaves can be delicate. Leaves can break or tear easily, and they cannot repair themselves. Leaves can also turn yellow. Yellow leaves can result from poor tank conditions. This can also mean that the plant needs nutrients, so look for plant fertilizer that contains iron.
When the leaves turn brown, clear, or become covered in algae, carefully trim them near the base of the stem, trying not to disturb the rest of the plant.
algae growth on leaves
Since the leaves of the Amazon sword plant are slow growing, last a while, and love strong light for long hours, they are prone to algae growth. If algae growth becomes a problem, it is not advisable to attempt to wipe the algae growth off the leaves as they can crack. Instead, it’s a good idea to have some Amano shrimp, red cherry shrimp, nerite snail, mystery snail, or otocinclus catfish to keep algae growth at bay.
Excessive algae growth can be caused by aquarium water conditions and excessive light. Therefore, ensure that water conditions are satisfactory by testing frequently and performing partial water changes regularly. And prevent visible organic materials and waste from building up. The problem of excessive lighting can be challenging as this plant likes strong light for hours at a time. The light requirements of this plant make it all the more important that the water conditions are as good as possible.
Reproduction & Propagation
An Amazon sword plant reproduces by shooting up a single long stem with stolons. A new small plant forms about every 3 – 4 inches. Soon after, the new seedling will develop roots of its own. As the roots increase in number, length and strength, the stem can be cut and the plant transplanted into the substrate and thriving on its own.
Amazon Sword Turning Yellow? 8 Possible Reasons (& Cure!)
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If you have a freshwater planted aquarium with Amazon Swords, they offer the best looking foliage. Their bright green leaves not only provide your fish with wonderful hiding spots, but also help cover filters and other pumps. But you may notice the leaves turning yellow.
There are several possible reasons why your Amazon Sword is turning yellow. Deficiencies in iron, nitrogen and/or potassium will almost always be the cause. But it could be due to such things as poor tank conditions, improper pruning, insufficient substrate, and overstocking, among others.
Much of what happens with yellowing in an Amazonian sword is a lack of conditions resembling those of its natural habitat. Since you can of course find them from the US down to Argentina, it’s a good idea to study this general environment. It usually requires warm water, bright light, and nutrient-rich soil.
Causes of Amazon sword yellowing
#1. lack of fertilizer
The most common cause of yellowing is a lack of fertilizer and nutrients. This happens because the water can rob the plant of its ability to absorb nutrients. Compounding this is the fact that Amazon Swords are heavy root eaters.
#2. It’s a newcomer
When the Yellowing Amazon Sword is new to your aquarium, it looks like it will melt or die off. This is a common and typical occurrence until the plant gets used to its new home.
#3. Bad tank conditions
Whenever you see a yellowing Amazon Sword plant, you want to make sure the water parameters are just right.
So do a test and make sure the pH balance is between 6.5 and 7.5 with a temperature range of 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 27°C). The water hardness dHK should be between 8° and 15°.
#4. circumcision problems
There are times when the plant simply needs to prune some of the dead growth or the yellow is appearing because you recently made a wrong pruning.
Note that new leaves are thin light green at first, turning to a thick dark green as they mature. Once used, the leaves will turn yellow and require pruning. So you should already be in the process and habit of trimming and pruning.
But if you cut off too much foliage, not enough dead leaves, or disturb the roots (including uprooting), the Amazon sword will begin to yellow and die. The right amount of pruning is necessary to ensure the plant stays healthy and thriving.
#5. Too much or too little light
Amazon Swords require about two to three watts of light per gallon. This equates to around 10 to 12 hours of bright light per day, which is quite a lot. However, if you expose the plant to too much light, it will succumb to algae growth.
While Amazon Swords can thrive well in lower lighting, this forces them to grow much more slowly. Due to the energy not matching the growth rate, yellowish leaves and stems may appear.
#6. Insufficient substrate
At the bottom of the tank should be a substrate that is not only iron-rich, but also nourishing, soft, and flexible enough to hold the roots and root tabs in place. Gravel and large rocks are not ideal substrates.
#7. overcrowding; lack of space
If you have a well stocked aquarium or your Amazon Sword plants are proliferating in your aquarium, they are not getting enough oxygen and water flow. The feeling of suffocation causes a yellowish-brown color in the leaves.
#8th. pests; Diseases
Amazon Sword plants are quite hardy and fairly immune to most pests and diseases. However, three main problems can cause leaves to turn yellow: excessive algae, aphids, and root rot.
Excess seaweed
Due to the high light requirements, excessive algae growth can become a problem for your delicate mini ecosystem. This will cling to the blades of an Amazonian sword, giving it a yellowed or brownish appearance.
aphids
Aphids are insects that infest plants on land and in water. Amazon Swords are not immune to this. Since there is plenty of food for the plants, aphids are not far away.
root rot
If you know anything about regular gardening, root rot is a serious problem that can affect any plant from receiving too much water.
With an Amazon sword it is already in the water, so root rot will result if the root is exposed to water without adequate covering substrate.
This will turn the roots horribly brownish-black and the leaves will turn yellow and translucent.
Possible remedies:
#1. lack of fertilizer
Use root tabs when incorporating the plant in the tank. (You can check out my recommended root tabs here on Amazon)
If root tabs are already in place and you’ve recently done a few water changes, it’s time to replace them.
Otherwise, you can get an iron-rich target fertilizer or pellet. Expect to add new fertilizer at least once a month.
· Age counts for fertilizers:
Determine the age of the Amazon sword to ensure you are providing the correct nutrients. While yellowing is a sign of nutrient deficiency regardless of plant age, younger plants require more iron.
Older and more mature plants need more nitrogen and potassium.
Wrinkles or Holes:
Wrinkles or holes in the leaves are a sure sign of potassium deficiency. There are many liquid and target fertilizers for this.
The Amazon Sword absorbs it immediately without affecting the tank’s water parameters. Just make sure you offer the fertilizer as close to the roots as possible.
Potassium is one of the crucial elements in maintaining growth levels in planted aquariums. If you have a fast growing system or if the water is mineral deficient, potassium can be depleted and a limiting factor for ideal growth. However, by using Flourish Potassium you can prevent potassium deficiency.
Seachem Flourish Potassium
Get this here (on Amazon)
#2. It’s a newcomer
As the plant adjusts to its new home, cut off the dead growth. As long as the water parameters are perfect, it recovers as if nothing ever happened.
#3. Dying foliage that needs pruning
If the yellow is only on a few leaves and stems, carefully prune them away. But you want to do this close enough to the base that the greenest parts are exposed in the water. This is because Amazon Swords have short rhizomes with short stems and long leaves.
On average, you’ll cut off the top two inches as soon as you see yellowing growth. The right amount of pruning is necessary to ensure the plant stays healthy and thriving.
It is best to trim and prune immediately after a water change.
When it comes to caring for aquarium plants, you often have to resort to the aquascaping tools. Here I recommend this 5-in-1 aquascaping tool set that takes care of all aquarium plants along with cleaning aquarium substrate and aquarium gravel.
capetsma aquascape tools
Get this here (on Amazon)
#4. Too much or too little light
Make sure the Amazon Sword gets 10 to 12 hours of light each day and that it’s somewhere between moderate and strong.
#5. Insufficient substrate
Things like sand, mud, and pebbles make the ideal substrate for Amazon Swords. However, if you want to weigh down the roots to keep them covered and secured by the substrate, a few rocks and gravel won’t hurt. But it should not be the only composition of the substrate for the plant.
#6. overcrowding; lack of space
If the tank does not have enough space, you will have to reduce the plants or remove decorations to ensure breathing space.
Because Amazon Swords can reach up to 20 inches in height with a maximum width of 12 inches, it’s easy for them to adopt.
#7. pests; Diseases
If excessive algae, aphids, or root rot is a problem, consider the following treatments:
Excess algae:
You can cut off any leaves laden with algae and have critters that like to eat algae like snails, shrimp or catfish.
Tip: If you’re thinking of getting some cool freshwater aquarium shrimp for your planted tank, don’t forget to take a look at theshrimpfarm.com.
aphids:
Fish and other creatures that like to eat insects, like bettas, are great for keeping aphids under control.
However, if the problem is severe, you need to cut them off. However, you cannot use an insecticide. Therefore, you may need to quarantine the plants.
root rot:
Make sure you bury the roots deep in the substrate and be careful not to bury the crown or parts that are usually above the substrate. Burying the plant too deep can also cause root rot.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Swords are an excellent addition to a freshwater aquascape. It offers a beautiful, green and lush environment that is great for fish. However, if you see yellowing foliage, you need to take care of the problem quickly.
Always evaluate the water parameters to make sure they check out, then inspect the plant for pests, root rot and nutrient deficiencies. These are heavy feeders, so Amazonian words must contain equal amounts of iron, potassium, and nitrogen.
Literature recommendations:
Sword leaves turning yellow.
Hello, I think this is the dying of the old emersed vegetation and no problem. Echinodorus are grown out of water in a humid atmosphere, so they come to us with all their leaves emersed. New submerged leaves then grow in the aquarium and the emersed ones slowly die off as they are not as efficient for the plant underwater as the submerged leaves. It looks like the plant is growing a lot of new leaves, so don’t worry!
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