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Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)

The Amazon Sword is the classic centerpiece plant: a big, hardy rosette that anchors the back of a community tank. It is an exceptionally heavy root feeder — plant it deep in substrate with root tabs and it will reward you with leaves that can fill a 20-inch-tall tank.

Care specifications

TypeRosette
DifficultyEasy
LightMedium (25–50 µmol PAR)
CO2Not needed
Fertilizer demandHigh
Growth rateMedium
Max height20 in
Spread12 in
PlacementBackground
Attaches to hardscapeNo
Snail & shrimp safeYes
Temperature72–82 °F
pH6.5–7.5
ColorGreen
TrimmingMinimal
StylesNature, Jungle, Biotope

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Amazon Sword

Amazon Sword Plant (Echinodorus amazonicus)

$6.99 In stock

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Propagation

Sends up a long flower stalk bearing plantlets; once each plantlet has roots and a few leaves, cut it free and plant it.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my Amazon Sword's leaves turning yellow or translucent?

Most often it is root-zone nutrient hunger — swords exhaust inert substrates quickly. Push a root tab or two near the crown every two to three months; new leaves should come in firm and green. Older emersed-grown leaves also die back naturally after planting as submerged leaves replace them.

Is an Amazon Sword too big for a 10-gallon tank?

Eventually, yes. A healthy sword reaches 16–20 inches and will dominate a small tank within a year. For tanks under 20 gallons, a chain sword or Crypt Wendtii fills the same role at an appropriate scale.

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