Care guide
Overview
The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus grisebachii) is the classic background plant — a big, broad-leaved rosette that fills the back of a tank with deep green and gives larger fish somewhere to feel at home. Unlike our rhizome plants it is a true root feeder that wants planting in nutrient-rich substrate.
Natural Habitat
Native to the Amazon basin of South America, growing rooted in the soft beds of slow rivers and floodplain margins, often emersed in the wet season.
Planting & Placement
Plant it so the roots are well covered but keep the crown — where leaves meet roots — just above the substrate, or it rots. A two-inch or deeper bed gives the extensive roots room. It grows tall and wide, so give it space at the back; in a small tank a single plant is a centrepiece.
Lighting & CO2
Medium light suits it best. CO2 is not required but produces noticeably faster, fuller growth. The real key is feeding the roots rather than the light.
Aquascape Role & Tankmates
A background or centrepiece rosette that shelters larger fish. Safe with most community species; note that apple snails and some cichlids may graze the softer leaves, so pair thoughtfully.
Propagation
Mature plants send out runners that sprout baby plants along their length. Once a plantlet has its own few leaves and roots, snip it free and plant it as a new sword. A well-fed plant produces these on its own.
Approximate Shipping Size
Amazon Sword ships as an established plant of approximately 6–10 inch (15–25 cm) tall with a developed root system. All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
