Amazon Sword

Echinodorus bleheri, commonly sold as the Amazon Sword, is native to the river margins and floodplains of tropical Brazil, where it grows partially submerged in slow, nutrient-rich water. In the aquarium it forms a large symmetrical rosette of broad, lance-shaped bright-green leaves reaching 40–60 cm tall, making it one of the most commanding background plants available to hobbyists. It tolerates a wide range of water chemistry, lighting levels, and temperatures, rewarding even beginner keepers with vigorous lush growth.

As a heavy root feeder, the Amazon Sword benefits greatly from nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tab supplementation. Under good conditions it will produce long flower stalks bearing numerous daughter plantlets that can be severed and replanted once they develop their own roots. The species is robust enough to coexist with large, boisterous fish that would destroy more delicate plants.

The Amazon Sword is one of the longest-serving staples of the planted aquarium hobby and remains the benchmark against which all other sword plants are measured. Its combination of size, ease, and bold good looks makes it indispensable for aquascapers seeking instant green impact with minimal effort.

Light: Medium (30–60 PAR); thrives under standard community tank lighting with no special requirements. CO2: Not required; grows well without injection in nutrient-rich substrate. Fertilisation: Heavy root feeder — use root tabs every 3 months and supplement with weekly liquid iron and macronutrients. Placement: Plant singly in the rear or corner; bury roots only, keep crown above substrate; allow 15–20 cm clear radius. Propagation: Produces daughter plantlets on submerged flower stalks — sever once each plantlet has 3+ leaves and visible roots.