No results. Is a plant missing? Tell uscontact@wikiplant.net
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Care level: Easy
Native to the slow-moving rivers and flooded margins of the Amazon basin, this sword plant produces long, broad, lance-shaped leaves from a central crown and can reach 40-50cm, making it a classic centerpiece background plant since the earliest days of the freshwater hobby. In nature it often grows partly emersed along riverbanks, only becoming fully aquatic when water levels rise.
Broadleaf Amazon Sword (E. bleheri)Red Flame Sword
Light
Moderate aquarium lighting (~30-40 PAR) produces full growth; survives lower light but stays smaller and paler.
Water
Weekly 20-30% water changes; prefers soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.5-7.5, 22-28°C.
CO2 & Feeding
Grows without CO2 injection but responds strongly to it with larger, denser leaves; benefits greatly from root and liquid fertilization since it is a heavy feeder.
Substrate
Needs a deep, nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil or root-tab-supplemented gravel) at least 6-8cm deep to support its large root mass.
Temperature
22-28°C.
Size
A mature plant spreads 30-40cm wide.
Tank Placement
Background
Beginner tip
Amazon Sword is a heavy root feeder, push nutrient tabs into the substrate near its roots rather than relying only on water column fertilizer, or older leaves will yellow even in a well-lit tank.
Care by Season
Spring
Growth accelerates; remove outer leaves as new ones emerge from the crown and watch for a flower stalk reaching toward the surface.
Summer
Peak growth season, trim shading outer leaves regularly so light still reaches lower plants and the substrate.
Autumn
Growth slows; reduce root tab frequency slightly as nutrient demand drops.
Winter
Keep temperature stable above 22°C, cooler water noticeably slows leaf production.
Growing & Maintenance
Planting
Plant the roots in a nutrient-rich substrate at least 6-8cm deep, at the back or centre of a tank of 60cm or larger.
Fertilising
Push root tabs into the substrate near the roots. It feeds mainly through its roots.
Trimming
Remove the outer leaves at the base as new ones emerge from the crown, so that light still reaches lower plants.
Pests & Diseases
Common problems
Older leaves yellow with green veins
Most likely cause: Iron or micronutrient deficiency.
What to do: Add root tabs to the substrate near the crown.
Leaves melting after planting
Most likely cause: The plant is adapting to its new tank.
What to do: Trim the melted leaves and keep the water quality stable. New leaves follow.
Small, pale leaves
Most likely cause: Too little light.
What to do: Give it moderate aquarium lighting.
Very slow leaf production
Most likely cause: Water below 22°C.
What to do: Keep the temperature stable above 22°C.
Lower plants shaded out
Most likely cause: The plant has grown large.
What to do: Trim the outer leaves regularly.
Pests & Diseases
Nutrient deficiency (yellowing)
Signs: Older leaves pale or yellow with green veins remaining visible
Treatment: Add root tabs near the crown and use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing iron and micronutrients.
Melting after planting
Signs: Leaves turn translucent and disintegrate shortly after introduction
Treatment: Trim melted leaves, keep water quality stable, and wait for new growth adapted to your tank's conditions to emerge from the crown.
FAQ
Why are my Amazon Sword's older leaves turning yellow with green veins?
This is classic iron or micronutrient deficiency in a heavy root feeder, add root tabs to the substrate near the crown and check that your fertilizer includes chelated iron.
How much space does an Amazon Sword need?
Quite a lot, mature plants spread 30-40cm wide, so it should be placed at the back or center of tanks 60cm or longer, not crowded into a nano tank.
Does an Amazon Sword need CO2?
No. It grows without injected CO2, but responds to it with larger, denser leaves.
How much light does an Amazon Sword need?
Moderate aquarium lighting gives full growth. It survives lower light, but stays smaller and paler.
What water does an Amazon Sword need?
Soft to moderately hard water at pH 6.5-7.5 and 22-28°C. Weekly water changes of 20-30% keep it healthy.
How do I trim an Amazon Sword?
Remove whole outer leaves at the base. New leaves grow from the centre of the crown.
