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Amazon Swordplant

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Amazon Swordplant Echinodorus amazonicus
Syn: E. brevipedicellatus Photo © Animal-World

   Amazon Swords are actually amphibious bog plants, but most can become completely aquatic if submerged for long periods!

   Amazon Swordplants can grow to a maximum of 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 cm). The leaves, being very long and fairly broad, make up the main part of the Amazon Sword plant. Their height and shape makes them ideal for background or mid ground decorations.

   The leaves of the Amazon Swords can, and often will, grow above the surface of the water if the conditions allow it to do so. This trait makes them very popular for aquariums with a low surface level. However if you do not want the plant growing above the water, trim its roots and long leaves periodically. Also remove older leaves to keep the plant looking healthy.

   Amazon Swordplants are relatively easy to keep, with a few basics to keep in mind. They do well in fine, iron-rich substrates, bright lighting, and fairly soft water. Be careful of high carbonate hardness levels, because this can affect how well the plant grows.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium

Water conditions:
   Temperature: 75-82° F (24-28° C)
   pH: 6.5 - 7.2
   dCH: 2-12

Lighting:
   Light level: Bright - 50 watts per 25 gallons

Propagation:
   They propagate by producing new shoots that act as runners and eventually separate from the plant.

Availability:
   The Amazon Swordplant is readily available.

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Latest Comments
I have 2 amazon swords in my 55 gal tank and they take up about a third of it each. They are a beautiful and easy to care for plant. I have about 3 1/2 inches of eco complete substrate on the bottom and 4 - 4 foot fluorescent tubes above. My 2 siamese algae eaters love lounging on the large leaves. A must have plant but they do grow quite large. Rick 2007-11-07
Some of the coolest comments:
Agreed, very cool plant. Supplemental nutrition in forms of tablets or clay-balls (placed in the substrate near the root system), will also encourage a dense growth rate in the amazon sword. If they get too tall, try brighter lighting, as plants tend to grow as if they were stretching for light. Halides and high-kelvin halogen lights will suppress the plant and force it to grow fuller and not upward. Leifariek 2009-04-18
I love my swords! They probably one of the easiest plants to have in my opinion. All I use is liquid plant fertilizer and they look amazing. I've only had them about 3 months and they've already doubled in size. And the root system is huge, I was actually surprised when I looked under the tank. They're very attractive plants and the fish love to swim through the leaves. I'd highly recommend them. Kamperoni 2009-01-23
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
This is a beautiful plant, really easy to grow. looks great in any tank; the fish love to swim in the leaves and hide behind them. neat to learn that it is actually a bog plant. This site is great, so much to read and learn all under one URL ...NICE JOB Scruffy 2006-06-20

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Author: Jasmine Brough