Echinodorus Big Bear

Species Profile

• Common Name: Big Bear Sword
• Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Big Bear'
• Plant Type: Rosette aquarium plant
• Origin: Cultivated aquarium hybrid
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Background / centerpiece

Appearance

• Large, wide sword-like leaves
• Color ranges from:
  • Bright green
  • Olive green
  • Slight bronze tones on newer growth
• Forms a dense rosette
• Mature size:
  • Height: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) or more
  • Width: 20–40 cm

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Recommended 90 L+ due to size
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.8
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Lighting: Low to medium (medium preferred)
• CO₂: Optional

Substrate & Feeding
This plant is a heavy root feeder:

• Nutrient-rich substrate is ideal
• Add root tabs regularly
• Iron and complete fertilizers improve leaf quality

Care Tips

• Leave space around the plant—it grows large.
• Avoid burying the crown.
• Remove old outer leaves to encourage fresh growth.
• If leaves become smaller over time, increase root nutrition.

Propagation

• Produces long flower stalks.
• Small plantlets form along the stalk and can be replanted after roots develop.

Compatible With

• Community fish
• Angelfish
• Tetras
• Corydoras
• Shrimp
• Discus setups

Because of its size, Big Bear looks best as one dominant feature plant rather than planting many together.