Amazon Sword plant (Echinodorus grisebachii, Echinodorus bleheri or amazonicus) 1 pot

The Amazon Sword plant (Echinodorus grisebachii, often sold as Echinodorus bleheri or amazonicus) is one of the most popular, hardy, and beginner-friendly live freshwater aquarium plants in the hobby. Native to the Amazon River basin, its iconic bright green, lance-shaped leaves make it a stunning centerpiece or background plant.

Because it can reach an impressive height of 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches), it is ideal for medium-to-large aquariums (minimum 110 liters / 29 gallons). Below is everything you need to know about growing and caring for this staple aquatic plant.

🌿 Plant Overview & Care Profile

The Amazon Sword is a rosette plant, meaning all its leaves radiate outward from a single, central crown at the base.

Care Level: Very Easy / Beginner

Growth Rate: Fast (produces 1–2 new leaves per week under good conditions)

Lighting: Low to Moderate (highly adaptable to standard aquarium LEDs)

Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)

pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5

CO2 Requirements: Low / Optional (grows perfectly fine using natural tank CO2)

Planting & Substrate Requirements

Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders. While they pull some nutrients from the water column, they develop massive, extensive root networks that demand structural anchoring.

Substrate Depth: Ensure you have at least 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) of substrate (aquasoil, fine gravel, or sand) so the roots can spread.

The Golden Rule: When burying the roots, never bury the crown (the base area where the leaves emerge). If the crown is completely submerged in the substrate, the plant will rot and die.

Fertilization: Since they feed through their roots, embedding root tabs into the substrate directly underneath the plant every few months is highly recommended to keep the leaves vibrant and prevent yellowing.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

The "Emersed Meltdown": When you first buy an Amazon Sword, it has likely been grown out of water (emersed) by the nursery. Once placed underwater (submersed), its rounder, emersed leaves will naturally yellow, die, and melt away. Do not panic. Simply trim away the dying outer leaves at the base; brand new, narrower, sharper sword-like leaves will soon sprout from the center.

Pruning: Prune older or algae-covered leaves every month by clipping them off as close to the bottom root stock as possible. This keeps the plant looking clean and stops it from blocking light to lower-lying tankmates.

Nutrient Deficiencies: If you notice holes or yellowing in the new leaves, the plant is likely starved of iron or potassium. Supplementing with root tabs or a liquid all-in-one fertilizer will quickly fix this.