Echinodorus americanus (Amazon Sword) - Plant

Echinodorus americanus is a large-growing sword plant with long, green leaves and a rosette growth pattern. It is suitable for medium to large aquariums where background structure and leaf mass are required.

The plant is a heavy root feeder and benefits from nutrient-rich substrate. Growth is moderate once established, with new leaves emerging steadily from the centre of the rosette. Due to its size, it is best used as a background or feature plant rather than in small layouts.

Plant the Echinodorus directly into the substrate. A transition period will occur if planting emersed plants, and new underwater leaves will sprout. Roots can be trimmed shorter too for ease of planting, and will regrow quickly. It is a heavy root feeder, aqua soil and/or root tabs are recommended for fuller growth. High lighting will enhance leaf colouration, and CO₂ will promote larger and faster development.

This plant will reproduce naturally. In the first step of the process, it will grow a flower stalk and then flower. Keep stalk submerged, and plantlets will develop on flower stalks. Cut away mature plantlets once large enough and has developed own roots, and replant them in the substrate.