Echinodorus Ozelot

Echinodorus 'Ozelot'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismataceae

Variety of Amazon Sword · ozelot

📍 South America

Echinodorus Ozelot is a hybrid cultivar renowned for its striking green leaves adorned with irregular dark-brown to red spots, resembling the coat of an ocelot. It is a vigorous, moderately sized sword plant reaching 25–40 cm (9.8–15.8 in) that makes an eye-catching focal specimen in the midground or background. New leaves often emerge with a reddish tint before maturing to spotted green.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that won't damage plant leaves; helps maintain tank cleanliness without harming the sword

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful community fish that provide visual contrast and won't uproot or consume plant tissue

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial invertebrates that consume algae and detritus without damaging plant leaves or roots

excellent

Anubias Barteri

Complementary slow-growing plant with different leaf structure; creates layered aquascaping with the sword

excellent

Java Fern

Companion plant with similar care requirements; both thrive in moderate light and benefit from liquid fertilization

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale new leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration in emerging foliage, interveinal chlorosis

Treatment

Increase all-in-one fertilizer dosing or add targeted iron supplements; ensure adequate lighting and CO₂ if available; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient balance

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard/Hair Algae)

Symptoms

Dark filamentous or brush-like algae coating leaf surfaces and stems, reduced photosynthesis, plant vigor decline

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes (30-50% weekly), add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove affected leaves, consider hydrogen peroxide spot treatment on heavily affected areas

Root Rot (Anaerobic Substrate)

Symptoms

Mushy or blackened roots, foul odor from substrate, leaf yellowing and melting despite adequate fertilization, stunted growth

Treatment

Improve substrate aeration by gently stirring substrate or adding root tabs; increase water circulation; perform partial water changes; replant in fresh substrate if severely affected; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich but not compacted

Leaf Melting (Emersion Shock)

Symptoms

Rapid deterioration of older leaves, transparent or dissolving leaf tissue, plant appears to shrivel despite adequate water

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–28°C); ensure consistent fertilization; allow 2-4 weeks for acclimation after planting; avoid drastic water parameter changes; trim damaged leaves to encourage new growth