Aquatic Plant: Echinodorus Amazonicus (Amazon Sword)
Amazon sword plants are very common in the aquarium hobby, being that they are beautiful and easy to care for. (Main difference between the original Amazon Sword is the broader leaf on this specimen) They offer excellent and attractive coverage to the background of an aquascape. These plants have short stems that grow in a rosette, bearing long and ovoid leaves with a pointed tip. Their leaves are dark or bright green in color with prominent veins and a slightly wavy shape.
Amazon sword plants can get pretty huge, making them a great fit for a large tank. Their large leaves can easily restrict light to other plants if they are not pruned regularly. These plants propagate through side shoots off of their leaves, which can be trimmed and replanted into the substrate. To control growth, regular pruning is recommended.
| Plant Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leaf Shape | Long, ovoid with a pointed tip and slightly wavy edge |
| Leaf Color | Dark or bright green with prominent veins |
| Growth Pattern | Short stems in rosette formation |
| Propagation | Through side shoots from leaves |
FAQ
How often should I prune my Amazon Sword plant?
Prune regularly to prevent excessive growth and maintain light availability for other plants. Trim side shoots when they become noticeable or start to overcrowd the tank.
Can Amazon Sword plants grow in low-light conditions?
They thrive best in moderate to bright lighting. In low-light conditions, growth may be slow and the plant may not develop its full leaf size or color.
Do I need to add fertilizer to my Amazon Sword plant?
While they can survive without fertilizer, adding a liquid plant fertilizer every 2–4 weeks will support healthier growth and more vibrant leaf color.
Penelope Clarkson –
The Amazon Sword grows quickly and adds great visual appeal to my tank. The leaves are broad and lush, and I’ve been able to use side shoots to propagate new plants. I prune them every few weeks to keep the light balanced for my other plants.
Megan Jones –
I was initially worried about the plant taking over, but with regular trimming, it’s manageable. The green color is vibrant and the shape is very natural. It’s a solid choice for a background plant in a mid-sized tank.
Colin White –
Easy to grow and very hardy. I’ve had it for over six months and it’s still thriving. The leaves are slightly wavy and look more mature than the original Amazon Sword I saw online. Great for adding depth to my aquascape.