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Echinodorus Bleheri
Echinodorus bleheri
Also known as Bleher's Sword, Broadleaf Amazon Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›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.
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Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Gentle bottom dweller that respects plants and adds color without uprooting vegetation
Small schooling fish that provide movement and color without damaging plant structure
Excellent companion plant with similar water parameters; creates layered aquascape
Beneficial invertebrates that clean algae and won't damage plant tissue
Algae-eating fish that respects plants; provides biological balance in the tank
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrient)
Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green (chlorosis); stunted growth; pale coloration
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
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced photosynthesis; leaf deterioration
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
Mushy, blackened roots; foul odor from substrate; leaf yellowing and wilting; plant fails to grow
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)
Rapid leaf breakdown and disintegration; transparent or translucent leaf tissue; plant appears to dissolve
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
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial but not essential
- light
- Medium to high (60–120 PAR)
- placement
- Background / centerpiece in large tanks
- substrate
- Nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs recommended
- growth rate
- Moderate to fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 5–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.