Amazon Sword – Echinodorus amazonicus
Amazon Sword is one of the most popular and recognizable freshwater aquarium plants. Known for its long, vibrant green leaves and strong vertical growth, this hardy sword plant creates a lush, natural look in planted aquariums and makes an excellent background or centerpiece plant.
This beginner-friendly aquarium plant is a great choice for medium to large freshwater tanks. Amazon Sword plants provide shelter and cover for fish while adding height, structure, and movement to the aquascape. As a heavy root feeder, this plant grows best with a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tab fertilization.
Key Features
- Classic green Amazon sword aquarium plant
- Long, vibrant green leaves add height and structure
- Excellent background or centerpiece plant
- Hardy and beginner-friendly
- Provides shelter and cover for freshwater fish
- Great for planted tanks, community aquariums, and natural-style aquascapes
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Echinodorus amazonicus
- Common Name: Amazon Sword
- Plant Type: Rosette / sword aquarium plant
- Placement: Background or centerpiece
- Lighting: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required; optional for enhanced growth
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs recommended
Tank Placement
Amazon Sword works best as a background plant or large centerpiece in medium to large freshwater aquariums. Its tall green leaves create a bold focal point and help fill open areas of the tank with natural plant growth.
This plant can reach approximately 16–24 inches tall depending on tank conditions, so it is best suited for aquariums with enough height and open space. Tanks 29 gallons and larger are recommended for mature Amazon Sword plants.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Amazon Sword can grow well under low to moderate lighting, making it a great option for beginner planted aquariums and low-tech setups. Stronger lighting may support fuller growth when paired with proper nutrients.
CO2 is not required for Amazon Sword, but it can help improve growth speed and overall plant health. As a heavy root feeder, this plant benefits greatly from root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate. Consistent root fertilization helps support strong roots, large leaves, and long-term growth.
Trimming & Maintenance
Remove older, damaged, yellowing, or melting leaves near the base of the plant to encourage fresh new growth from the center of the rosette. Keeping the plant trimmed helps maintain a clean, healthy appearance in the aquarium.
When planting Amazon Sword, place the roots into the substrate while keeping the crown exposed. Avoid burying the crown too deeply, as this can cause plant damage. Once established, avoid moving the plant frequently so the root system can continue developing.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Freshwater planted aquariums
- Background plant displays
- Large centerpiece plant layouts
- Beginner planted tanks
- Community fish aquariums
- Natural-style aquascapes
- Amazon-style aquarium setups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon Sword good for beginners?
Yes. Amazon Sword is one of the easiest large aquarium plants to grow and is a great choice for beginner planted tanks.
Does Amazon Sword need CO2?
No. Amazon Sword does not require CO2, but optional CO2 can help improve growth speed and overall plant health.
Should I use root tabs for Amazon Sword?
Yes. Amazon Sword is a heavy root feeder, so root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate are strongly recommended for healthy long-term growth.
How tall does Amazon Sword grow?
Amazon Sword can typically grow 16–24 inches tall depending on aquarium size, lighting, nutrients, and overall tank conditions.
Where should I place Amazon Sword in my aquarium?
Amazon Sword works best as a background plant or centerpiece in medium to large aquariums where it has room to grow.
Is Amazon Sword good for community tanks?
Yes. Amazon Sword is excellent for community aquariums and provides natural cover, structure, and shelter for freshwater fish.
Why are my Amazon Sword leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are often caused by low nutrients, lack of root tabs, older leaf growth, or adjustment after being planted. Adding root tabs and removing old leaves can help encourage healthier new growth.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Amazon Sword is a classic freshwater aquarium plant for aquarists looking to add height, greenery, and natural cover to planted tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquarium supplies.
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