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Amazon Swordplant

Amazon SwordplantEchinodorus amazonicusPhoto © 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

Distribution:    They originate in Brazil.

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.

Author: Jasmine Brough

Lastest Comments on Amazon Swordplant View all 6 comments on Amazon Swordplant Add Your Comment

Rick - 2007-11-07 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. Click For Replies (1) Anne Lohkamp - 2011-05-24 I have had my two Amazon Swords in my fancy goldfish 55-gallon tank for about 3 months now and they have been doing well. All of a sudden, they both developed reddish-brown spots all over the older outer leaves. Have you ever had that happen? They have plenty of roots now and one has produced a shoot with new baby plants on it that I will anchor to the bottom of the tank as they grow larger. I was concerned there might be a disease so I cut off all the leaves with spots on them. What do you think is going on? any reply would be appreciated. thanks. Reply

Anonymous - 2010-09-17 Very informative!!With the advice I get here,my aquarium is flourishing! Reply

hasib - 2010-05-16 I've bought about 50 amazon sword plants of two varieties....the shopkeeper said they both are same plants...but they differ from each other so much.....one has more round leaves than the other and it's taller too....I guess the taller and more round leaved plant is the real amazon sword...then what is the other one? Reply

Leifariek - 2009-04-18 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. Click For Replies (1) Fozz - 2010-02-28 Can you recommend a particular kind or brand of nutrition tablets? I have two big, beautiful swords with some reddish-brown in them. I have had them two months but they are beginning to deteriorate! Reply

Scruffy - 2006-06-20 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 Click For Replies (1) Anonymous - 2010-02-16 Thanks Scruffy! Reply

Kamperoni - 2009-01-23 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. Reply

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