Ready to add a touch of elegance to your aquarium? Look no further than the Amazon sword plant!
With its vibrant green and bushy rosette-style foliage, this aquatic gem will transform your underwater haven into a lush and thriving garden.
Originating from the Amazon River basin, the Amazon sword plant is known for its hardiness and is relatively simple to care for.
With at least 10 hours of bright light each day and the right placement in your tank, you can bring a little piece of the world’s largest rainforest into your own home.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this stunning plant that will take your aquarium to the next level!
Amazon Sword Plant Overview
The Amazon sword plant is a popular aquatic plant known for its vibrant green and bushy rosette-style foliage.
Originating from the Amazon River basin, this hardy plant is relatively simple to care for and can transform your aquarium into a lush and thriving underwater garden.
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Maximum Size | 16 inches |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Water Temperature | 68 – 82°F |
| Water Hardiness | 8 – 15 dGH |
| Lightning | Moderate to strong, 10 – 12 hours per day |
| Propagation | Vegetative, runners |
| Placement | Center of the tank |
Appearance
Amazon sword plants, belonging to the genus Echinodorus, are a popular and attractive choice for freshwater aquariums.
The leaves of the Amazon sword plant are ribbed and can vary in size, depending on the species. They start to narrow at the base, reaching their full width at the middle, and then tapering off at the top again.
This interesting growth pattern gives them a bushy appearance, which can provide a great hiding spot for your aquarium inhabitants.
It’s important to remember that not all Amazon sword plants are the same—some have broader leaves, while others have more narrow leaves.
However, regardless of the specific variety, they all share a stunning visual appeal that can help liven up your aquarium.
Caring for Amazon Sword Plant
Caring for the Amazon sword plant is relatively simple and requires minimal effort.
With the right placement in your tank and a few basic care tips, you can keep your Amazon sword plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
Tank Size
First things first, you’ll need a suitable tank for your Amazon sword plant.
Aim for a tank that’s at least 16 inches tall to ensure the plant stays submerged in water and grows tall and healthy. A 10-gallon tank can work, but a 20-gallon, like this one, is even better.
The larger tank space allows the plant to flourish and create a lush habitat for your aquarium’s inhabitants.
Substrate
Choosing the right substrate is essential for the plant’s growth.
Amazon sword plants grow best in a loosely packed substrate or aquarium gravel. This gravel is highly recommended, and available on Amazon.
A substrate depth of 6-8 cm at the base of the tank works well for these plants.
This allows their roots to establish properly while also providing necessary nutrients for their growth.
Water Parameters
Amazon sword plants are quite adaptable, but they do have specific water parameter requirements to thrive.
Keep the pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and maintain a water hardness (dGH) of 3-8.
Lighting
Proper lighting ensures your Amazon sword plant thrives in your tank.
These plants appreciate moderate to high lighting conditions.
Providing at least 10-12 hours of light per day helps the plants grow steadily and develop their vibrant green color.
Temperature
The Amazon sword plant is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Ideally, the water temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F.
Use an aquarium heater, like this one from Amazon, to regulate the temperature and keep your plant comfortable.
How to Plant an Amazon Sword Plant
Planting an Amazon sword plant is a fun and rewarding way to add some vibrant greenery to your aquarium.
First, choose the perfect substrate – a loosely packed substrate or aquarium gravel will do the trick. This substrate stimulates strong plant growth and is sold on Amazon.
Then, dig a small hole in the substrate and carefully place the roots of the plant into the hole.
Make sure to cover the roots with substrate and that the plant is securely in place.
You can also add a root tab fertilizer to the substrate to provide your plant with extra nutrients.
How to Propagate an Amazon Sword Plant
Propagating the Amazon sword plant is quite simple. Here’s how you can do it:
- Locate the plantlets: Amazon sword plants produce plantlets, which are small plants that grow off the main plant. These plantlets can be used to propagate new plants.
- Separate the plantlets: Once the plantlets have grown to a decent size, carefully separate them from the parent plant using scissors or a sharp blade. Cut as close to the base of the plantlet as possible without damaging the parent plant.
- Plant the plantlets: Plant the separated plantlets in a substrate that is nutrient-rich and provides them with the necessary nutrients to grow. Cover the roots with substrate ensuring the plantlets are securely in place.
That’s it! So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and give it a try.
Amazon Sword Plant Tank Mates and Compatibility
The Amazon sword plant is a great choice for a community tank and can be paired with a variety of fish and other aquatic creatures.
One great option for tank mates is small to medium-sized fish, such as tetras, guppies, and platies. These fish are peaceful and won’t disturb the Amazon sword plant’s roots or foliage.
A few other popular options are:
- Guaramis
- Mollies
- Discus
- Angelfish
- Danios
- Otocinclus catfish
Another great choice for tank mates is aquatic snails and shrimp.
Not only are they peaceful and won’t disturb the plant, but they can also help keep your tank clean by eating algae and other debris.
Avoid pairing the Amazon sword plant with larger and more aggressive fish, such as cichlids or bettas.
These fish may damage the plant’s roots or foliage, or even eat the plant entirely.
Amazon Sword Plant Common Issues
Although hardy, the Amazon sword plant is susceptible to various issues, including:
Yellow Leaves
Are your Amazon Sword plant’s leaves turning yellow? Don’t panic – this is a common issue that can be easily remedied.
Yellow leaves are often a sign of a nutrient deficiency, particularly a lack of iron. But fear not, you can combat this by regularly adding liquid fertilizer to your aquarium.
Keep an eye on your plant’s growth and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure the plant is getting the necessary nutrients.
Cracking
Cracking in the leaves can occur when your plant experiences rapid growth or when there’s too much water flow in the tank.
Ensure your tank’s water parameters are within the recommended range of 72°F to 82°F and pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5.
Check if your filter’s water flow is too strong, causing your plant’s leaves to experience stress. If necessary, consider adjusting your filter or positioning your Amazon sword plant further from the current.
FAQs About Amazon Sword Plant
Is Amazon Sword Plant a Beginner Plant?
Yes, the Amazon Sword plant is considered a beginner plant and is a great choice for novice aquarists.
This hardy plant can tolerate a range of water conditions and is relatively easy to care for.
With the right substrate, proper placement, and care for water parameters, lighting, and nutrients, your Amazon sword plant will thrive and become a stunning addition to your aquarium.
What Does an Amazon Sword Plant Do?
An Amazon sword plant is an aquatic plant that serves as a natural decoration for aquariums.
It adds a touch of vibrancy and lush greenery to your underwater oasis, making it more visually appealing and interesting to look at.
Additionally, the Amazon sword plant also helps to oxygenate the water, improving the overall health and well-being of your aquarium inhabitants.
