Argentine Sword Aquarium Plant? The 49 Latest Answer

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How do you plant Argentine swords?

Grows better in softer water than hard water. Optimal growth may not occur if the water is too hard. Plant in a loose substrate and supplement with an iron fertilizer.

How do you take care of a sword plant?

Amazon Sword Plant Care Pretty Easy
  1. Aquarium pH: 6.5 – 7.5, and some suggest that pH as low as 6.0 is acceptable.
  2. Water Temperature: Tropical fish range, 72 – 82 Degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Lighting: Moderate to strong, and for between 10 – 12 hours per day.

How do you take care of a red sword plant?

The Red Sword thrives in bright indirect light. It is best to let the soil dry between waterings, and keep in a room with higher humidity such as the bathroom. Try to keep your Red Sword clear of any drafts or direct air from the heater or aircon. All our plants come giftwrapped with gift tag for FREE.

Does Amazon Sword need substrate?

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 bottom tank, which is the closest you’re going to get.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

Amazon swords are beautiful and have been around since the dawn of fish farming. We’re talking about the time when people fed their fish offal because there was no commercially available fish food. (Yes, seriously.)

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 There are also many outdated names and synonyms or undescribed Echinodorus species that are incorrectly sold as “Amazon swords” instead of just “swords”, adding to the confusion.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 sword plants need substrate?

The Amazon sword is easy to care for, and will thrive in most home aquariums. It should be planted in a loose substrate, with a small grain gravel or speciality planting substrate being the best choices. It will also root in a sand substrate but requires more care when it is first planted.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

Fast statistics

Minimum tank size: 20 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Water Conditions: 6.5-75 and soft to moderately hard

Temperature: 22-27°C (72-82°F)

Maximum size: 24 inches (60 cm)

The Amazon sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is a rosy plant widely used in the aquarium trade. Originally found throughout the Amazon Basin, it is now grown on farms around the world.

While the Amazon sword is considered an aquatic plant, it continues to grow when only partially submerged. However, the water level should always be kept above the leaf blades for optimal growth.

The Amazon Sword makes an excellent centerpiece in aquariums and is best suited for larger (29 gallon +) aquariums. With good care and enough space, it can grow leaves up to 60 cm long. In a smaller aquarium, these huge leaf culms will completely overgrow the tank, leaving little room for the fish.

Care

The Amazon Sword is easy to care for and will thrive in most home aquariums. It should be planted in a loose substrate, with small-grain gravel or a special growing medium being the best choices. It will also root in a sandy substrate but requires more care when first planted. This is especially true when there are larger fish in the tank as they will easily pull an amazon sword out of sandy substrate before it is properly rooted.

Amazon sword plants benefit from regular doses of an iron-rich fertilizer, and fertilizer should be added weekly after a water change. It also benefits from root tab fertilizer and, unlike many other plants, grows very well without adding CO 2 to the aquarium.

When choosing lighting for an Amazon sword plant, a high quality LED or a dedicated grow light (CFL, fluorescent tube) is the best choice. It requires around 3 watts per gallon, but you should be careful not to provide too much light as Amazon swordweed leaves can be susceptible to algae growth.

If you notice excessive algae growth on the leaf blades, you should carefully wipe them off during the weekly water change. It is also important to remember that Amazon swords should be checked for damaged and torn blades during water changes. Amazon sword plants cannot repair damaged leaves, and these should be removed so the plant can redirect energy to the healthy leaves.

propagation

Propagating Amazon Swords is quite easy and is done either by division or by random seedlings. In the home aquarium you will probably only ever see the adventitious plants, so the article will focus on them.

When dividing by random seedling, the Amazonian sword shoots out a long stalk, and miniature Amazonian swords (runners) begin to develop on the stalk. Once the seedlings have developed roots, they can be removed from the stem and planted individually.

The runners should always be cut at the end first so that all daughter plants can develop fully. Once separated from the plant, they can then be planted individually. At this stage, any damaged leaves should be removed and the ends of the roots should be trimmed to encourage growth.

compatibility

Amazon swords are compatible with most types of fish, but there are several fish to avoid. This includes goldfish, most species of plecos and many of the larger cichlids unless it is aquarium property.

The biggest enemy of an Amazon sword in the home aquarium are catfish. Plecos love nothing more than to rasp off the top layer of the Amazon sword, which causes severe damage to the plant over time. The damage will either severely limit the plant’s growth or kill it entirely.

While goldfish are generally bad for most plants, they are particularly bad for Amazon sword plants. The reasons for this are twofold. The first is that the temperature requirements for goldfish and Amazonian sword plants are completely different. If you keep Amazon swords in a coldwater aquarium, they are unlikely to survive for any length of time.

The second reason is that goldfish like to eat plants. While the leaves are generally too tough for goldfish to eat, their efforts to eat the plant constantly pulls them out of the substrate. Even if you replant it every day, the goldfish will immediately start uprooting it. Needless to say, this is not healthy for any plant.

The other fish to avoid are larger cichlids. While some generally leave it alone, large cichlids like Oscars and even convicts will keep the Amazon sword plant moving around the tank. The only way to avoid this is to plant the amazon sword in a clay pot with clutter on top, or anchor the amazon sword with river rocks around the base. Depending on the cichlid species, these measures can also be ineffective.

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How do you propagate a red sword?

The Red Flame Sword reproduces through rhizome division as well as by the production of side shoots, which can be removed and replanted. It is very intolerant of copper, so please keep this in mind if you are using tap water in your aquarium.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

details

The Red Flame Sword (Echinodorus schlueteri x E. barthii hybrid) makes a stunning center plant for the aquarium. Its green and red leaves make for a very distinctive appearance, and its tall, large leaves stand out remarkably in heavily planted environments. The best part is that it is extremely undemanding in terms of grooming requirements.

Caring for the Red Flame Sword is very simple. While it thrives in high lighting, it is also very long-lived and can perform very well in low to moderate lighting. For its extensive root system, it needs a nutrient-rich substrate. This plant produces very large leaves so it needs to be planted with care so as not to cast too much shade on other plants as it grows. It is certainly only suitable for background placement in smaller aquariums, but can also be placed in the middle ground of larger aquariums. The Red Flame Sword propagates by dividing the rhizome as well as by producing side shoots that can be removed and replanted. It is very intolerant of copper so please keep this in mind when using tap water in your aquarium.

Like most plants, Red Flame Sword will benefit from supplements such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Nitrogen and other herbal supplements.

No aquarium plant dealer/nursery/wholesaler/retailer can or will guarantee that their plants are 100% slug-free. We cannot guarantee that our plants are slug-free.

What we like about this plant:

High and wide growth, ideal for larger aquariums

Very easy to deploy, can be modified for foreground use

Provides plenty of cover for hatchlings

Very hardy and long-lived in a well-lit, nutrient-rich aquarium

Care instructions:

Temperature: 22° – 28° C (72° – 83° F)

pH: 6.5 – 7.5

Lighting: Moderate to High

Origin: Native to South America, cultivated in US nurseries

Aquarium Placement: Center to background

Care: Easy

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee plus free email support!

How big do red flame swords get?

Red Flame sword (Echinodorus Red Flame) large bareroot 12″ – 18″. Large, beautiful bright green & red coloration. Needs a rich substrate (root nutrients).

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

4 Nice Contrast Posted by Ryan on Jan 3, 2011

This is a great plant, it has never gotten huge, probably sits 20cm or so tall and has had it for about a year now. Started in a 55 gallon 1.5 watt light and it worked great for several months then went down quite a bit. Switched to 90 with CO2 and metal halides and it’s recovered pretty well. It is certainly the most beautiful of the 4 different types of swords that I have.

How much substrate do I need for Amazon Sword?

The substrate should be around 2.5 inches thick. The Amazon Sword Plant should be placed in the center of the tank. This will provide enough space for it to grow and reach its maximum height. As the plant is quite bushy, it will be a great hiding spot for many aquarium inhabitants.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

With its blade-like appearance and impressive endurance, the Amazon sword plant has earned it a place among the most popular aquatic plants.

Beautiful and easy to care for, this plant will create a forest-like effect in your aquarium – great for novice and experienced aquarists alike!

What’s even better is its ability to reproduce itself in the tank, giving you the opportunity to share this wonder with friends or diversify your other tanks.

About the Amazon sword plant

Category Rating Family: Alismataceae Care Level: Easy Growth Rate: Moderate Maximum Size: 16 inches

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons Water Conditions: 60.8-82.4°F; pH 6.5-7.5; 8-15°dH Lighting: mild to moderate Propagation: vegetative; Runner Placement: Midfield

The Amazon sword plant (Echinodorus grisebachii/amazonicus) is an aquatic plant that has become very popular with aquarists worldwide in recent years.

It comes from the extremely diverse and beautiful Amazon Basin.

Although the entire genus Echinodorus is known as the Amazon sword plant, many aquarists refer to Echinodorus grisebachii or Echinodorus amazonicus as the true Amazon sword plant – they are the same plant.

Although you will find many plants sold as Amazon Sword Plant, this is not a problem as they all require more or less the same tank conditions and have the same care needs.

Other Echinodorus plants can also be found in the US, Cuba and Colombia. However, most plants grow in the Amazon region, an area with unique flora and fauna.

It is commonly found in aquariums around the world, mainly due to its hardiness and ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Not only are these plants a great choice for aquariums, but they are also very popular in plant-only aquariums.

This plant is not particularly expensive. Most will be in the $5-7 per plant range. The price always depends on the size of the grower, with some retailers offering an “extra large” plant starting at $10.

Looks

Plants in this genus all have a very similar appearance and are easily confused with one another, especially because so many of them are used in aquariums.

This is a bushy plant with a short stem. All leaves extend straight from the roots on thin scapes. The leaves themselves make up most of the plant’s length, reaching almost 14 inches. This plant is quite large, growing up to 15-16 inches.

They get their name from the uniquely shaped leaves that resemble sword blades. The leaves begin to widen near the base, reach their maximum thickness in the middle, and narrow again towards the top of the leaf.

With good water conditions you should expect your plant to be a slightly dark green in colour. If at any point it begins to turn a brownish or muddy red color, this is an indicator of nutrient deficiencies.

The roots of this plant are important to mention. Its rootstock (rhizome) is quite large and strong. This allows it to penetrate quite far down into the subsoil. They are bright and spread far and deep underground.

How to plant amazon swords

Before you can plant your Amazon sword, you need to make sure you have a healthy specimen.

When it comes to choosing and buying your plant, remember the basics. For example:

Does the color of the plant seem healthy to you?

Do the leaves look strong or are they dying?

Is the tank it is kept in clean?

Are there fish near the plants?

By asking yourself these questions you will save time and money and get a good looking and healthy plant.

What you want is a nice light or dark shade of green. Sheets should have precise and accurate edges with no visible scratches or worse cuts. You’ll be able to tell a good plant from a bad one right away.

Once you’ve bought a healthy specimen, you can start planting it.

You’ve probably noticed how many times we’ve mentioned the importance of substrate. This is due to the strong rootstock that this plant has. It needs a solid base to be able to grow successfully.

Which substrate you choose is not as important as its actual thickness. The substrate should be about 2.5 inches thick.

The Amazon Sword Plant should be placed in the center of the tank. This gives him enough room to grow and reach his maximum height. Since the plant is quite bushy, it will provide a great hiding place for many aquarium dwellers.

Planting is easy. Set it firmly in a hole in the substrate, leaving the crown of the roots visible.

Although you are free to choose the surface, we recommend using coarse-grained sand.

Care of Amazon sword plants

tank requirements

This plant comes from an extremely diverse biological region of the Amazon Basin – a very green, humid and warm place. Its tropical habitat offers a very good nutrient-rich substrate for growth.

The natural weather conditions to which it is accustomed are very variable, making this plant tolerant and perennial. Another thing it is loved for.

All this combined makes it a perfect choice to start with. Recreating its natural habitat is not difficult.

First of all, you need to remember that the tank should be large enough so as not to limit its growth. Your tank should be at least 16 inches tall to ensure this doesn’t happen.

It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it is better if you keep it within tight limits. The optimal temperature range would be 68-75°F.

The acidity of the water should be neutral, pH around 7. Small variations can occur, but try to keep them at a minimum pH of 6.5-7.5. If the temperature is kept within acceptable limits, the water hardness shouldn’t be a problem: 8-12°dGH would be just right.

Substrate is one of the most important things when it comes to Amazon Sword Plants (as mentioned in the planting section above) – make sure it’s at least 2.5 inches thick.

maintenance

Luckily, these plants don’t need a lot of care or attention.

Pruning of this plant is not necessary. It is much more important to make sure that it has enough space to grow. When propagating, you can cut off unwanted shoots. The same goes if it expands in the tank or if the leaves get bigger than you want.

Unfortunately, sometimes your plant can catch an infection or simply get sick. Your plant’s leaves will lose their shape and their color will begin to deteriorate. So you end up with a blackish outgrowth.

If you catch this early on, try removing the diseased leaves and checking the water quality – make sure it meets the requirements above.

Lighting is another important factor in health. You can use any type of lamp, either fluorescent or simple incandescent. Lighting should be on about 11-12 hours a day.

Now let’s talk a little bit about supplements.

First, remember that this plant can thrive without additives.

A good ventilation system can have a positive effect on growth rates. As already mentioned, this plant tolerates a wide range of water parameters. However, if the water is too soft, the plant may show signs of mineral deficiencies.

To get rid of the symptoms, add combined supplements containing microelements to the tank. About 0.05 ounces. per 25 gallons once a week should be sufficient.

In addition to everything we’ve covered so far, there’s one very important thing we haven’t addressed yet: frequent water refreshments. There are many conditions in which this plant can thrive, but dirty water is not one of them.

The Amazon Sword Plant requires around 20% weekly renewal – this is key to keeping it strong and beautiful.

If you follow all our advice, you can be sure that your plant will grow evenly throughout the year. Please always note their size and select the volume of the tank accordingly.

care tips

Adding supplements specific to this plant is not really necessary. This plant gets most of its nutrients along with fish food and fresh water. The Amazon sword plant will help you keep the water clean and get rid of the unwanted compounds. Unfortunately, Amazon Sword Plant is prone to algae growth. It gets worse if you don’t follow the lighting regime. By leaving the light on longer, you encourage algae growth. Algae can quickly turn your aquarium into a real mess.

How to propagate an Amazon sword plant

Propagating this plant is fairly easy.

These plants develop a long maternal stem on which the plantlets begin to appear. After some time, these little plants will develop their own root system and a few leaves.

When you see that both (roots and leaves) have developed, seedlings can be cut off and placed elsewhere in the tank. It’s also possible to place them in other aquariums, but make sure the substrates are similar – small shoots may have trouble adapting to an entirely new environment.

In good aquarium conditions, this happens naturally.

It is important to keep the cut plants submerged; This will help them grow faster and ensure they develop properly.

You can put developed plantlets in the substrate and fasten them with small stones. In early stages, increased levels of CO2 and some supplemental nutrient servings are conducive to their health and growth.

Be careful not to cut off an underdeveloped young plant. Don’t panic if you notice that small plantlets appear slightly yellowish, this is quite common with young Sword plants.

Amazon Sword tankmates and compatibility

It is compatible with other plants of the same genus (Echinodorus) as well as with some species from the Alismataceae family.

A great plant to consider is the spadeleaf swordplant (Echinodorus cordifolius).

In its natural environment, this plant is found alongside a wide variety of animals. It can be placed in almost any freshwater municipal tropical aquarium.

Some fish you may want to keep in the same tank are tetras or other cichlids. In addition, tetras or other fish from the order Characiformes are a good choice.

A few other popular options are:

The only concern with adding fish is that it will eat your plant. If you really don’t want your plant to be bitten, we recommend getting either bottom dwellers (like Plecos) or small cleaners that feed on algae instead of the plant.

Avoid keeping fish, which are overly rough and could uproot your plant. Some goldfish are not an ideal match based on size and temperament.

Are Amazon Sword right for your aquarium? (Summary)

This plant is hardy and doesn’t require much attention. This makes them an ideal choice for novice aquarists. But even experienced aquarium owners will enjoy seeing this beautiful plant thrive in their aquarium.

The most important aspect of caring for this plant is frequent water cycles. Dirty and contaminated water will cause your plant to get sick and die. The acidity should also be closely monitored.

Overall, the Amazon Sword Plant is a great choice that would suit almost any aquarium with many different species of fish – it will look stunning in the background.

In addition, it provides a solid starting point for anyone wanting to explore aquarium greenery.

What plants do you keep in your tank? Let us know in the comments section below…

Does anubias need substrate?

Planting Methods: Anubias plants can grow in aquarium gravel, aquarium substrate, attached to rocks, driftwood, or decorations. While aquarium gravel may be adequate, anubias plants seem to do much better when planted in nutrient rich substrate or when attached to porous rocks or driftwood.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

Anubias Barteri is one of the most popular and hardy freshwater aquarium plants. The good news is that Anubias Barteri is hardy, so a great plant for beginners. Anubias Barteri is known for its thick rhizome, strong root structure, and durable green leaves. Depending on the variety, Anubias Barteri makes a great foreground, midground, or even background plant. Either way, it can add a long-lasting splash of rich green color to an aquarium.

Questions about Anubias Barteri often come from the following areas:

What should I look out for when buying Anubias?

Where can I see Anubias images?

What are some of the different Anubias plant types available?

Is Anubias easy or difficult to care for?

What about Anubias and reproduction?

Why do my Anubias leaves have algae?

Buying Anubias Barteri: What you should pay attention to

Anubias plants are available for sale in a variety of ways. Often Anubias plants are sold as bare root plants that are taken directly from the gravel in the storage tank. Anubias plants can also be sold potted in a small plastic container. In other cases, Anubias plants may be sold attached to things like lava rocks, driftwood, suction cups, or other decorations. When buying Anubias Barteri, look for plants with lush green leaves, a thick rhizome and a healthy root system. Try to avoid plants with cracked or broken leaves or leaves with holes in them. Also, try to avoid plants that have algae growing visibly on them.

Anubias Barteri picture gallery

Anubias plant species: Many varieties

There are many different Anubias plant species on the market. Hobbyists will often see Anubias plant species marketed as Anubias barteri var. barteri, for example, with the “var.” refers to the respective plant variety. Some Anubias plant species are more common than others. Hobbyists may encounter the following: Anubias barteri barteri, Anubias barteri round leaf, Anubias barteri broad leaf, Anubias barteri glabra, and Anubias barteri caladiifolia. Other types include:

Anubias Coffeefolia: A foreground to mid-ground plant

Often available as either a pot plant or bare root, Anubias Coffeefolia is a small, hardy foreground plant. Anubias Coffeefolia is ideal for a tropical community aquarium or a shrimp or snail aquarium. It is sturdy and durable.

Anubias Nana: A foreground plant

Caring for Anubias is simple and straightforward

Healthy Anubias care involves three broad areas: water parameters, lighting needs, and planting methods. Caring for Anubias is fairly easy, making it a good plant for hobbyists who are just starting out. Anubias can do well in tanks of any size and shape.

Water parameters: One of the reasons why caring for Anubias is easy is the fact that the water conditions in the aquarium can be similar to those of a community freshwater aquarium and even slightly wider:

Aquarium pH: 6.5 – 7.8

Water Temperature: 72 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Suitable Tank Size: Small to Large

Lighting Requirements: Another reason Anubias are easy to care for is that the lighting requirements are simple. Anubias barteri can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low light to higher light conditions. In tanks with low light, i.e. 1.8 to 3 watts per gallon, Anubias plants grow slowly. In higher light levels, Anubias plants may grow faster but are also more prone to algae growth on the leaf tips.

Planting Methods: Anubias plants can grow in aquarium gravel, aquarium substrate, on rocks, driftwood or decorations. While aquarium gravel can be sufficient, Anubias plants seem to do much better when planted in nutrient-rich substrate or attached to porous rocks or driftwood. My personal preference is substrate. Another aspect of Anubias care involves planting. When planting Anubias Barteri, it is important not to completely bury the rhizome. Instead, make sure the rhizome is on the substrate so that the rhizome is visible to the eye.

Anubias propagation: cutting the rhizome

When an Anubias plant grows to a decent size, a hobbyist may want to consider cutting the plant into two or more new plants. A hobbyist would refer to this as Anubias propagation. The process is not difficult.

Anubias Propagation: Remove the plant from the water. Using a sharp blade, carefully cut the rhizome into two or more pieces, making sure to leave at least three or four healthy leaves on each new section of rhizome. Also, be careful not to damage the roots. Plant the new pieces back into the substrate, remembering not to bury the rhizome. And that’s all there is to it.

Anubias leaves and seaweed

Because Anubias plants are slow growers and their leathery leaves don’t move around in water very much, Anubias leaves are ideal spots for algae. As such, it’s a good idea to keep Anubias plants in areas of a tank that get shade. For example, keeping Anubias plants under the protection of plants like Brazilian pennywort or Aquarius can provide shade. With that in mind, it’s also a good idea to keep Anubias plants in areas where the water current moves moderately.

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.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

Thanks for your visit! By the way… all links on this page that lead to products on Amazon and other shops/partners are affiliate links. Aquarium Store Depot earns a commission when you make a purchase.

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 sword plants bloom?

As the amazon sword grows slowly, you will find that it slowly grows out a branch. If the branch is out of the water and the light and other conditions are appropriate, some small and beautiful white flowers will appear. This flower has a long flowering phase and can last from May to September.

Amazon Sword Plant Care, Growth Rate, Roots & Leaves

You may have seen some aquatic plants, but have you ever seen an aquatic plant like this one? It has small white petals and a yellow flower bud. It looks very pure and cute. Who is it? It is the Amazon Sword, a scientific name called Echinodorus amazonicus.

It is native to Cuba, Central America and South America as far north as Brazil and Bolivia. It is also a kind of large aquatic plant with broad leaves. It is known as the “king of tropical aquatic plants” due to its luxurious and magnificent appearance.

If you want to buy some aquatic plants to decorate your fish tank, you can try the amazon sword. Because it is easy to care for and has a very nice green color. No matter what kind of fish you keep, the comparison will make your fish color more beautiful. With proper care, it can even grow to over 60 cm tall! So it is a popular aquatic plant.

Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ – Amazon Sword

Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ – Amazon Sword
Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ – Amazon Sword


See some more details on the topic argentine sword aquarium plant here:

Argentine Sword (Latin Echinodorus Argentinensis)

Argentine Sword(Echinodorus Argentinensis) This is a semi-aquatic plant and it can be up to 1-1.2 meters high in emerged form. It has rhizome with extensive …

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Argentine Sword Plant – FishLore

Argentine Sword Plant. Freshwater Aquarium Plant Care. Scientific Name, Echinodorus argentinensis. Size, Up to 18 inches. pH, 6.8 – …

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Source: www.fishlore.com

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Argentine Sword (Echinodorus argentinensis)

Common Name: Argentine Sword

Scientific name: Echinodorus argentinensis

Pedigree: Echinodorus

Place in the aquarium: foreground plant

Maximum size: 60.00 inches

Reproduction/Propagation: Rootstock or rhizome

Recommended tank size: 400.00 liters

Recommended Lighting: Bright

Recommended substrate: gravel

Water parameters:

Temperature in Celsius: 21.00 – 28.00

Temperature in Fahrenheit: 69.80 – 82.40

Ph: 5.70 8.90

Water hardness (dGH): 4.00 18.00

Place of origin: South America

Natural Habitats: In the wild, it grows in sticky mud along rivers.

Care: It prefers sandy soil and subtropical temperatures (although it will grow in warmer waters). Medium to high light. It forms pseudostolons that root easily. Grows well submerged and multiplies easily. In emersed conditions it appears dwarfish and may not grow as well

Comment: Echinodorus argentinensis needs a deep, rich substrate and good light. It withstands subtropical-tropical temperatures. It may be too big for an average aquarium; the leaves will soon grow out of the water. If possible, supplement with iron and CO2. Seems to prefer soft over hard water.

Argentine Sword Plant

Care

Grows better in softer water than in hard water. Optimal growth cannot occur if the water is too hard. Plant in loose substrate and supplement with iron fertilizer.

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.

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