Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) Care Guide
Classic large rosette plant from South America. Produces broad lanceolate leaves and benefits strongly from root tabs in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Overview
Echinodorus bleheri (sometimes considered a form of E. grisebachii in modern taxonomy) is a large rosette aquatic plant in the family Alismataceae, widely used as a background specimen. The plant develops an extensive root system and is well suited to nutrient-rich substrates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Echinodorus
- Scientific name: Echinodorus bleheri
Habitat
The Echinodorus genus is native to Cuba, Central America and South America as far south as Brazil and Bolivia. Natural habitats include marshes, slow-moving streams and seasonally flooded riparian zones, where the plant often grows partially emersed.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required (but enhances growth)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich; benefits from root tabs
- Maximum height: about 50 cm
- Growth rate: medium
Placement
Used as a central or background specimen plant in medium to large aquaria. The expansive leaves can occupy the upper half of the tank and shade smaller plants placed underneath. Allow plenty of horizontal space between specimens.
Propagation
Reproduces via runners. Adventitious plantlets develop on inflorescences and along stolons; once a plantlet has several leaves and roots it can be separated and planted in the substrate. Healthy mother plants can produce multiple offspring per year.
Common issues
Yellowing or holes in older leaves typically indicate nutrient deficiency, most often iron, potassium or nitrogen; root tabs and a balanced liquid fertiliser resolve the issue. Allow the plant to acclimate after replanting before judging health.