Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard'

Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard' is a striking cultivar developed from a South American species, selected specifically for the intensity and density of its brown-red spotting on bright-green, oval leaves. The spots and blotches are irregular in size and distribution, giving each leaf a unique, leopard-skin-like pattern. Mature plants form compact rosettes of 20–35 cm, well suited to midground placement where the patterned leaves can be fully appreciated without being blocked by taller background plants.

The spotting pattern is most vivid under medium to bright lighting with adequate iron supplementation — iron deficiency causes the spots to fade and leaves to pale. Like most Echinodorus, it is a root feeder that benefits greatly from substrate nutrition. The plant is relatively compact and does not outgrow medium aquariums the way larger sword species can.

The Leopard Sword is popular with aquascapers seeking visual interest and focal points in the midground without resorting to red-leaved or highly coloured plants. Its naturalistic spotting pattern adds intrigue and depth to any planted layout.

Light: Medium (35–65 PAR); higher light intensifies spot colouration. CO2: Not required; beneficial for denser growth and better leaf quality. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; liquid iron supplement weekly is critical for maintaining spot intensity. Placement: Midground specimen; plant singly as a focal point; keep crown above substrate. Propagation: Daughter plants appear on flower stalks — sever once established with visible roots.