Echinodorus Bleheri

Echinodorus bleheri

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismataceae

📍 South America

Echinodorus Bleheri, the Broad-Leaf Amazon Sword, is the quintessential large background plant of the freshwater aquarium. It produces broad, bright-green lanceolate leaves that can reach 50 cm (19.7 in), creating a dramatic focal point in larger tanks. It is a heavy root feeder and benefits greatly from nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tab fertilisation.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

German Blue Ram

Gentle bottom dweller that respects plants and adds color without uprooting vegetation

good

Neon Tetra

Small schooling fish that provide movement and color without damaging plant structure

excellent

Anubias Barteri

Excellent companion plant with similar water parameters; creates layered aquascape

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial invertebrates that clean algae and won't damage plant tissue

excellent

Bristlenose Pleco

Algae-eating fish that respects plants; provides biological balance in the tank

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green (chlorosis); stunted growth; pale coloration

Treatment

Increase fertilization frequency with liquid fertilizers containing iron and trace elements; verify lighting is adequate (60-120 PAR); check substrate nutrient levels and add root tabs if needed

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Increase water changes (25-30% weekly); reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily; add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or Siamese Algae Eater; manually remove affected leaves if severe

Root Rot

Symptoms

Mushy, blackened roots; foul odor from substrate; leaf yellowing and wilting; plant fails to grow

Treatment

Improve substrate drainage and water circulation; reduce organic waste buildup; perform partial water changes; consider replanting in fresh substrate if severely affected; ensure adequate oxygen in substrate

Melting (Leaf Deterioration)

Symptoms

Rapid leaf breakdown and disintegration; transparent or translucent leaf tissue; plant appears to dissolve

Treatment

Gradually acclimate plant to new tank conditions over 2-3 weeks; maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 22-28°C); increase lighting and CO2 availability; ensure adequate nutrient supplementation