Amazon Sword (Echinodorus grisebachii) - Potted

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus grisebachii) is the classic beginner centerpiece plant, sending up a broad rosette of bright green, sword-shaped leaves that fills the midground and background with lush greenery. Hardy and forgiving, it is one of the easiest large plants to grow and makes an instant focal point in community tanks. It arrives as a healthy potted nursery plant with a full root mass, ready to establish and grow tall. Browse the rest of our freshwater aquarium plants.

Care Guide

• Light: Low to high. It grows in almost any lighting, reaching its fullest size under medium to bright light.
• CO2: Not required. Injected CO2 speeds growth and produces larger, lusher leaves, but is optional.
• Substrate: A heavy root feeder. Plant it in nutrient-rich substrate and push root tabs under the roots for the biggest, greenest leaves.
• Planting: Remove the pot and rockwool, rinse the roots, and plant them in the substrate while keeping the crown (where leaves meet roots) just above the surface so it does not rot.

Specifications

In the Aquascape

The Amazon Sword is a natural centerpiece. A single plant anchors the middle or back of an aquarium, its tall leaves creating a leafy green backdrop and shade for fish and shrimp. Give it room to spread, as a happy sword can grow large, and pair it with shorter foreground plants to show off its height. It is a long-standing favorite in community and South American biotope tanks.

Pairs Well With

• Hydrocotyle 'Japan' as a low carpet that contrasts the sword's height.
• Dwarf Hairgrass for a grassy foreground in front of it.
• Aquarium Co-Op Easy Potassium to keep this hungry plant's leaves green and pinhole free.
• Neocaridina shrimp that forage and shelter among its broad leaves.

FAQ

How big does an Amazon Sword get?
In a healthy tank it can reach 12 to 20 inches tall and spread wide, so give it space and plant it where it has room to grow upward and outward.

Do I need root tabs?
Yes, they help a lot. The Amazon Sword feeds heavily through its roots, so root tabs in the substrate produce noticeably bigger, greener leaves.

Why are some leaves melting after planting?
Nursery plants are grown above water and often shed a few emersed leaves as they convert to underwater growth. Trim any melting leaves and new submersed ones will follow.

Is it good for beginners?
Very. The Amazon Sword is one of the most forgiving large aquarium plants, tolerating a wide range of light and water conditions.