Echinodorus Ozelot

🌿 Species Profile

• Common Name: Ozelot Sword
• Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Ozelot'
• Plant Type: Rosette sword plant
• Origin: Cultivated hybrid (Echinodorus group)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Midground to background

🌱 Appearance

• Broad, oval sword-shaped leaves
• Signature feature: dark brown/black spots on leaves
• Leaf colors:
  • Green with dark spotting (most common)
  • Red or bronze variants under strong light
• Mature size:
  • Height: 25–50 cm (10–20 in)
  • Width: 20–40 cm

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Lighting: Low to medium (medium improves color intensity)
• CO₂: Optional but beneficial

🌿 Substrate & Nutrition

This plant is a strong root feeder:

• Best in nutrient-rich substrate
• Root tabs recommended
• Iron boosts red tones and spotting contrast
• Regular fertilization supports large healthy leaves

✂️ Care Tips

• Keep crown above substrate
• Remove older outer leaves regularly
• Provide enough space for rosette expansion
• Stable nutrients prevent melting or weak growth

🌱 Propagation

• Produces flower stalks above water
• Plantlets form on the stalk
• Once roots form, they can be separated and replanted

🐟 Aquarium Use

• Excellent as a focal plant in planted tanks
• Works well with:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Corydoras
  • Shrimp
  • Peaceful community fish