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Melon Sword
Echinodorus osiris
Also known as Osiris Sword, Red Melon Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Liliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
Melon Sword is a medium-sized stem plant with distinctive reddish-brown to burgundy coloration on its leaves, particularly under high light. It features broad, elongated leaves with prominent veining and grows in a compact, bushy form. This plant is moderately easy to care for and makes an excellent midground specimen.
Where it's from
Native to Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Chile South, Paraguay and 1 more
Recorded as introduced in Cameroon
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Non-destructive, helps control algae on leaves, peaceful
Small, peaceful community fish that won't uproot or damage plants
Algae eater that grazes on plant surfaces without causing damage
Peaceful mid-water swimmer, minimal plant disturbance
Bottom dweller that won't uproot or damage midground plants
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Leaf Melt, Iron Deficiency, Algae on Leaves, Nutrient Deficiency
Leaf Melt
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; typically occurs during transition from emersed to submersed growth
Trim affected leaves, ensure stable water parameters, maintain consistent lighting and temperature; plant will recover with new submersed growth
Iron Deficiency
Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth and pale coloration
Dose with liquid iron fertilizer or all-in-one fertilizer containing iron; ensure adequate lighting to promote nutrient uptake
Algae on Leaves
Green spot algae, black beard algae, or hair algae coating leaf surfaces; reduces photosynthesis
Manually remove algae with soft brush; increase water circulation; reduce lighting duration; add algae-eating fauna like Amano Shrimp or Otocinclus
Nutrient Deficiency
Slow growth, pale or yellowing leaves, loss of red coloration despite adequate lighting
Dose with comprehensive fertilizer containing macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients; ensure substrate contains nutrients or use root tabs; maintain moderate CO2
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 72–82°F22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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