Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)

Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) is one of the most recognizable and beginner-friendly aquarium plants, known for its broad, vibrant green leaves and strong presence in planted tanks. Its large, arching foliage creates a lush, natural backdrop that adds depth and balance to aquascapes.

Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, this plant grows as a rosette, sending leaves upward from the base to form a full, bushy structure. Its hardy nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for a wide range of aquarium setups.

Amazon Sword thrives in moderate lighting and benefits from nutrient-rich substrates, as it is a heavy root feeder. With proper care, it grows steadily into a striking centerpiece or background plant that anchors the entire layout.

Key Features

• Large, broad, sword-shaped leaves
• Creates a lush, natural background
• Strong root system (heavy root feeder)
• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Adds height and structure to aquascapes
• Rich green coloration

Care & Growing Conditions

• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 72–82°F
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Water Flow: Low to moderate
• CO₂: Not required (beneficial but optional)
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich (root tabs recommended)
• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets (runners/flower stalks)

Tip: Use root tabs regularly to support healthy growth, as Amazon Swords draw most of their nutrients from the substrate.

Ideal Uses

• Background or centerpiece plant
• Beginner-friendly planted tanks
• Natural and jungle-style aquascapes
• Filling vertical space in larger aquariums
• Creating shelter for fish and shrimp

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus bleheri
• Common Name: Amazon Sword
• Plant Type: Rosette plant
• Origin: Amazon Basin
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Placement: Midground to background
• Difficulty: Easy
• Max Height: 20-24 inches