Echinodorus Bleheri

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus bleheri

• Common Name: Amazon Sword, Bleher's Sword

• Origin: South America (primarily Brazil and the Amazon Basin)

• Height: 30–50 cm (12–20 inches), can reach up to 60 cm in ideal conditions

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Care: Easy; excellent for beginners

• Light: Moderate to high

• CO₂: Not required, but improves growth

• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets on flower stalks (runners)

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture: Echinodorus bleheri has broad, sword-shaped leaves that are light to mid-green and grow in a dense rosette. The leaves are sturdy and upright, making it a visually dominant plant in any aquascape.

• Placement: Best used as a background plant or centerpiece in large aquariums due to its size and lush growth. It’s ideal for South American biotope tanks.

• Water Conditions: Prefers soft to moderately hard water and tropical temperatures between 22–28°C (72–82°F). It’s tolerant of a range of conditions but grows best in stable environments.

• Lighting: Moderate to high light is preferred. Under high light, the plant grows faster and develops broader, more vibrant leaves.

• CO₂: Not essential, but CO₂ supplementation enhances growth, leaf size, and color. It will thrive without CO₂ in a well-fertilized tank.

• Fertilization: Needs a nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs are especially helpful. Can also benefit from liquid fertilization, especially iron, to maintain deep green leaf color.

• Propagation: Produces runners with plantlets on flower stalks. These can be cut and replanted once they develop a few leaves and roots.

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, especially with strong lighting and good nutrient availability.