Echinodorus 'Bleherae XL'

Echinodorus 'Bleherae XL' is a selected large-growing strain of the standard Amazon Sword (E. bleheri), cultivated and selected specifically for exceptional size. Under good conditions in large tanks with strong lighting and rich substrate nutrition, it can produce leaves reaching 65–70 cm — significantly larger than typical E. bleheri specimens. The leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and vivid bright-green, maintaining the clean, classic sword-plant aesthetic of the parent species at an amplified scale.

Due to its exceptional size potential, 'Bleherae XL' is only suitable for large aquariums of 200+ litres where it can be used as an imposing solitary specimen or paired background planting. It is an extremely heavy root feeder at this scale and will quickly exhaust poor substrate; generous root tabs or purpose-built planted substrate are essential. In terms of water chemistry and lighting adaptability it is as tolerant as the parent species.

The XL selection is popular among large-display tank owners and public aquarium curators who want the familiar, trusted Amazon Sword aesthetic at a scale that fills large water volumes with natural impact.

Light: Medium to high (40–80 PAR); strong light required to sustain maximum leaf size. CO2: Not required; CO2 injection beneficial for sustained large-leaf production. Fertilisation: Large root tabs every 2 months; heavy weekly liquid NPK and iron dosing. Placement: Solitary background specimen in tanks over 200 L; allow 25–30 cm clearance in all directions. Propagation: Abundant daughter plants on flower stalks — sever once roots and 3+ leaves are present.