Amazon Sword

Echinodorus grisebachii

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismataceae

📍 Amazon Basin, South America

The amazon sword is a staple background plant in community aquariums, producing broad lanceolate leaves that provide shelter for fish. It is a heavy feeder that benefits greatly from root tab fertilisers. Given adequate nutrients and moderate light, it will grow large and produce runner plantlets.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that will not damage plant leaves and benefit from the shelter provided

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in planted tanks and add visual interest without harming plants

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial invertebrates that graze algae and detritus while leaving plant tissue untouched

excellent

Anubias Nana

Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements and water parameters

excellent

Java Fern

Hardy companion plant that thrives in the same conditions and provides additional shelter

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves, stunted growth, pale or translucent leaf tissue, reduced vigor

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing, add iron-specific supplements, ensure adequate lighting and CO₂; perform water tests to confirm deficiency

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced photosynthesis, leaf deterioration

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8–10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Siamese Algae Eater), manually remove affected leaves

Root Rot

Symptoms

Blackened or mushy roots, foul odor from substrate, leaf yellowing and wilting despite adequate nutrients

Treatment

Improve substrate aeration, reduce organic waste buildup, perform partial water changes, replace degraded substrate if severe; ensure adequate water circulation

Melting (Leaf Deterioration)

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution, transparent or disintegrating foliage, plant collapse after planting

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–28°C), allow acclimation period of 2–4 weeks, increase fertilization and CO₂ if available