Echinodorus Amazonicus

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus amazonicus

• Common Name: Amazon Sword

• Origin: South America (primarily the Amazon Basin)

• Height: 30–50 cm (12–20 inches)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Care: Easy; beginner-friendly

• Light: Moderate to high

• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial

• Propagation: Runner (adventitious plantlets on flower stalks)

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture: Echinodorus amazonicus features long, sword-shaped green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are broad, sturdy, and can create a dramatic focal point in planted aquariums.

• Placement: Ideal for the background in medium to large aquariums due to its size. It makes an excellent centerpiece in Amazon-style or natural aquascapes.

• Water Conditions: Prefers soft to moderately hard water and tropical temperatures between 22–28°C (72–82°F). It is adaptable but prefers stable, nutrient-rich conditions.

• Lighting: Grows best under moderate to high lighting. Low light may result in slower growth and fewer leaves. Strong light promotes denser, fuller growth.

• CO₂: Not strictly necessary, but CO₂ injection will significantly enhance growth rate, leaf size, and overall plant health, especially in high-light setups.

• Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate or regular use of root tabs is important, as this is a heavy root feeder. Supplementing with liquid fertilizers can also support healthy growth.

• Propagation: E. amazonicus propagates by producing runners or adventitious plantlets from its flower stalk. These can be clipped and replanted once they develop a few roots and leaves.

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, especially with adequate nutrients, lighting, and CO₂.