Amazon Sword: Care, Size & Growth Guide
Echinodorus grisebachii
Amazon Sword grows 12-20in tall and needs root tabs to thrive. Full care guide covering planting depth lighting and common melting issues.
- Light
- Moderate to High
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Placement
- Background
Overview
The Amazon Sword is one of the most recognizable aquarium plants, prized for its broad ribbed leaves and dramatic mature size. It works best as a background centerpiece in tanks of 20 gallons or larger, where it has room to reach its full 12-20 inch height.
Care Guide
Plant the crown slightly above the substrate line, never burying it completely, since covered crowns are prone to rot. Feed with root tabs pushed near the base every 4-6 weeks, since this species draws most nutrients through its roots rather than the water column. Trim aging outer leaves at the base as new growth emerges from the center to keep the plant looking full.
Common Problems
New leaves melting shortly after purchase is common and usually not a sign of a dying plant. Most nursery stock is grown emersed above water and the first round of leaves often dies back as the plant adjusts to fully submerged conditions, with healthier new growth following within a few weeks.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Origin
- South America
Growth
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Emersed Capable
- Yes
- Rhizome Plant
- No
- Floating Plant
- No
Water Parameters
| Temperature | |
| Water pH |
Lighting
- Requirement
- Moderate to High
- PAR Min
- 30 μmol/m²/s
- PAR Max
- 100 μmol/m²/s
Nutrition & Fertilization
- CO₂ Requirement
- Low
- Nitrate Demand
- Medium
- Phosphate Demand
- Medium
- Potassium Demand
- Medium
Algae Sensitivity
- Black Beard Algae
- Moderate
- Green Spot Algae
- Moderate
- Diatoms
- Moderate