Echinodorus amazonicus
Scientific name: Echinodorus amazonicus
Family: Alismataceae
Usual maximum size in aquariums: 30 - 50 cm (11.81 - 19.69 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.2
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 30 °C (71.6 - 86°F)
Reproduction of the plant: Runners
Origin (in the wild): South America
How fast these plants grow: Slow
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Demands on lighting: Medium
Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle
Common Names
Amazon Sword
Origin
South America; these plants are mostly found in Brazil.
Propagation
This is a very easy plant to propagate, they produce new roots or runners so to obtain more plants from it just cut two separate plants that grew from one, these will then generate into new plants. Always make sure that when the pieces are re-planted that they are not completely submerged into the substrate. It is possible to grow these from seed as well but a lot of patience and care is required. You need to partially submerge the Sword rather than allow it to be completely under the water, this method will allow the Sword to produce a flower stalk which can be self-pollinated by use of a fine brush, the pollen as expected will be yellow in colouration and this can be brushed all over the flower heads. In time a seed pod will be formed but this may appear inactive for a long period. Be patient and the pod will produce seeds that can be planted as with other aquatic plants and new plants will form in time.
Difficulty
Easy provided that the correct water conditions are given. They prefer softer water where other species of Sword are quite happy in harder water.
Short Description
One of the most popular plants that are kept in aquariums, they are very hardy and need very little maintenance. They should soon develop a strong root system in the aquarium once they have settled and can grow quite large so allow them plenty of room. The Amazon Sword makes a great centrepiece to any aquarium, in larger aquariums you can provide a lot of cover by adding 2-3 specimens but as they mature they can grow leaves that will reach up to 12 inches in length so adding these to a small aquarium can soon crowd a tank restricting swimming space for the fish themselves. When first added to a new set up you may experience algal blooms on the leaves of the Sword but if the water quality is high and the parameters start to settle down , these blooms should disappear as quickly as they came. A sure sign of nutrient deficiency is yellowing of the lower leaves so always watch out for this and add liquid fertilisers to the water to overcome this.