Melon Sword Plant

🌿 Melon Sword Plant (Echinodorus osiris / hybrid)

Common Name: Melon Sword, Red Melon Sword
Type: Rosette sword plant

🔹 Appearance

• Broad, oval leaves with bronze, red, or orange new growth.
• Mature leaves fade to deep green, giving a two-tone effect.
• Grows into a full, bushy rosette about 8–16 inches tall.

🔹 Care Requirements

• Light: Medium–high (higher light enhances red tones).
• Temp: 72–82 °F
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Placement: Midground to background (depends on size).
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or use root tabs; heavy root feeder.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in good conditions.

🔹 Benefits

• Excellent centerpiece plant for community aquariums.
• Provides shade and shelter for fish and fry.
• Hardy and adaptable, suitable for beginners.

🔹 Propagation

• Spreads by runners with plantlets.
• Replant baby swords once roots are developed.

✨ Fun fact: The Melon Sword Plant gets its name from the warm melon-like colors of its new leaves, making it one of the most colorful sword varieties in the hobby.