The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus) is one of the most iconic and beloved plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to the Amazon River basin of South America, this large rosette plant features broad, lance-shaped leaves that can reach impressive sizes, making it the perfect centerpiece for medium to large aquariums. Amazon Swords are renowned for their hardiness, vibrant green color, and dramatic visual impact, providing a lush, jungle-like backdrop in any planted tank. Whether you are setting up a community tank, biotope, or naturalistic aquascape, the Amazon Sword delivers timeless beauty and reliable performance with relatively easy care.
Common Name: Amazon Sword
Scientific Name: Echinodorus amazonicus (also classified as Echinodorus bleheri)
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America
Placement: Background, Midground, or Centerpiece
Maximum Height: 12–20 inches
Growth Rate: Moderate
Care Level: Easy
Lighting Requirements: Medium
CO2 Requirements: Not required
Temperature: 72–82°F
pH Range: 6.5–7.5
The Amazon Sword is part of the broader Echinodorus genus, which includes several closely related species often sold under similar names.
Amazon Sword has been a hobby staple for decades thanks to its impressive size, lush appearance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Few plants offer such a dramatic visual impact with such modest care requirements.
Benefits of Amazon Sword include:
Creates a striking centerpiece in medium to large tanks
Broad leaves provide cover and visual depth
Hardy and forgiving of variable water conditions
Spreads through baby plants on adventitious shoots
Compatible with most peaceful freshwater species
Helps absorb nitrates and other excess nutrients
Amazon Swords grow well under medium aquarium lighting. They do not require intense light but appreciate consistent, balanced illumination.
For best results:
Use medium intensity planted tank lighting
Provide 8–10 hours of daily lighting
Ensure light reaches the lower portions of the plant
Pair with consistent root tab fertilization
CO2 injection is not necessary for Amazon Swords, though it does promote faster, denser growth.
Steady, reliable growth
Suitable for low-tech tanks
Easy maintenance
Faster leaf production
Larger, more vibrant leaves
Improved deep green coloration
Amazon Swords develop extensive root systems and are heavy root feeders, making nutrient-rich substrate essential for long-term health.
Recommended substrate types include:
Aquasoil
Nutrient-rich planted tank substrate
Fine gravel with regular root tab supplementation
Sand with root tabs
A deep substrate bed of at least 3 inches is recommended to accommodate the extensive root system.
To plant Amazon Sword successfully:
Bury the roots fully in the substrate
Leave the crown (where roots meet leaves) exposed above the substrate
Provide adequate space, as the plant grows large
Add root tabs near the base at planting
Position toward the back or center for best visual impact
A mature Amazon Sword can dominate a tank, so plan placement accordingly.
Amazon Swords require minimal but strategic maintenance to thrive long-term.
Maintenance tips:
Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base
Replenish root tabs every 1–2 months
Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer with iron and trace elements
Trim oversized leaves to manage tank space
Baby plants form on adventitious shoots and can be separated and replanted to expand your aquascape.
Amazon Swords pair well with most peaceful and semi-aggressive freshwater fish, especially South American species.
Compatible tank mates include:
Angelfish and Discus
Tetras, Rasboras, and Hatchetfish
Corydoras Catfish
Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids
Plecos (in larger tanks)
Otocinclus
Avoid large herbivorous cichlids, goldfish, and crayfish that may damage the leaves.
Indicates iron, nitrogen, or potassium deficiency. Add root tabs and dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer.
Typically a potassium deficiency. Increase potassium dosing or use a complete fertilizer.
Common when transitioning from emersed (greenhouse-grown) to fully submerged conditions. New submerged leaves will replace the melted ones.
Often a result of substrate nutrient depletion. Add root tabs near the plant base.
The Amazon Sword is one of the most rewarding plants in the freshwater hobby, offering dramatic centerpiece appeal with surprisingly easy care. Its large, lance-shaped leaves create a lush, jungle-like atmosphere that pairs beautifully with South American fish species and naturalistic aquascapes. With proper root nutrition, moderate lighting, and stable water conditions, the Amazon Sword will continue to grow and impress for years, anchoring your aquascape with its timeless beauty.
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