- Sku: PLANT-SPASWO
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Sparkle Sword (Echinodorus 'Sparkle') - Potted
Sparkle Sword (Echinodorus 'Sparkle', also sold as Rose Sparkle) is a hybrid sword plant bred for its leaves: broad blades dusted with light speckles, with new growth that often comes in flushed with rose and red before settling to a speckled green. It has the toughness of an ordinary Amazon Sword, so it suits beginners, but it gives a planted tank a centerpiece that looks a lot less ordinary. Browse our other live freshwater plants to fill in around it.
Care Guide
- It arrived grown above water. Nursery swords are grown emersed. After planting, some of the older leaves will yellow and melt while the plant switches to underwater growth. This is normal. Leave it in place and trim the dying leaves at the base, and new submersed leaves follow within a few weeks.
- Unpot it before planting. Remove the pot and as much rockwool as you can, then plant the crown so the base of the leaves sits just above the substrate. Burying the crown can make it rot.
- Light: moderate. More light brings out stronger rose color on new leaves, but it is not fussy.
- CO2: helpful but not required.
- Fertilizer: swords are heavy root feeders. Push Seachem Flourish Tabs into the substrate near the roots every few months, or plant it in a nutrient substrate. Pale or yellowing new leaves mean it is hungry.
- Water: 72 to 82°F, pH 6.0 to 7.8.
Specifications
| Botanical name | Echinodorus 'Sparkle' (hybrid) |
| Common names | Sparkle Sword, Rose Sparkle Sword |
| Plant type | Rosette (sword) plant |
| Experience level | Beginner friendly |
| Light requirement | Moderate |
| CO2 | Helpful, not required |
| Placement | Midground to background |
| Mature height | 12 to 24 in |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Water temperature | 72 to 82°F |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.8 |
| Propagation | Plantlets on flower stems, or division of the rhizome |
| Origin | Aquarium hybrid |
| Sold as | One potted plant, grown emersed |
| Pickup | In-store pickup only |
Placement and Companions
Where it goes: as a single focal plant in the midground or background of a 20 gallon or larger tank. Give it room, since a healthy sword spreads wide.
Other swords we carry: Chocolate Marble Sword for a darker, marbled leaf, Altlandsberg Sword for red tones, and the classic Amazon Sword for plain green bulk.
Fish and invertebrates: broad leaves make good resting spots for bettas and gouramis, and it is safe with shrimp and snails. Large cichlids and goldfish may dig it up.
Recommended Supplies
- Seachem Flourish Tabs: root tabs, the single most important supply for any sword.
- CaribSea Eco-Complete: a nutrient-rich substrate for heavy root feeders.
- Seachem Flourish: water column fertilizer to round out the root tabs.
- Seachem Flourish Iron: supports the rose color on new leaves.
- Chocolate Marble Sword: another patterned sword to pair with it.
FAQ
Why are the leaves melting after I planted it?
The pot was grown out of water, and those leaves were not built for life underwater. The plant drops them and grows new submersed leaves. Keep it planted and add a root tab.
Do I need CO2?
No. Like most swords it grows well in a low tech tank as long as the roots are fed.
Why are the new leaves coming in pale?
Usually hungry roots. Add a root tab next to the plant. Low iron can also wash out the rose color.
How big will it get?
Usually 12 to 24 inches tall and nearly as wide, depending on light and feeding. It is best in tanks of 20 gallons and up.
Have a question?
Sparkle Sword (Echinodorus 'Sparkle') - Potted
