Echinodorus Cord. 'Leopard'

Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus cordifolius 'Leopard'
• Common Name: Leopard Sword, Spotted Amazon Sword
• Origin: Cultivar (derived from Echinodorus cordifolius, native to North and Central America)
• Height: 30–50 cm (12–20 inches), can grow taller in open or emersed conditions
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Care: Easy – hardy and tolerant of various water conditions
• Light: Moderate to High – stronger lighting enhances leaf spotting and coloration
• CO₂: Optional – not required, but CO₂ promotes stronger growth and larger leaves
• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets – produced on flower stalks; can also propagate by root division
• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Additional Notes:

  • Noted for its attractive spotted leaves, with dark "leopard-like" speckling on green blades.
  • Best used as a background or large midground plant in medium to large aquariums.
  • May grow emersed and produce flower stalks if allowed to breach the water surface.
  • Requires a nutrient-rich substrate and benefits from root tabs.
  • It can shade smaller plants if left untrimmed; occasional pruning helps maintain balance.