Echinodorus amazonicus. A beautiful bushy Amazon that survives even in harsh conditions

Echinodorus amazonicus might be the ideal option if you want to give your aquarium a splash of vibrant greenery. This plant, often known as the Amazon Sword, is well-known for its remarkable resilience and eye-catching appearance. Its broad, sword-shaped leaves give any tank a bushy, dense appearance that can be used to create an eye-catching aquatic scene.

Echinodorus amazonicus, a species that originated in the Amazon Basin, is highly suited to a range of environments. This hardy plant can survive in a variety of conditions, regardless of how sophisticated your aquarium is set up. It’s a great choice for both inexperienced and seasoned aquarists due to its tolerance for low light and shifting water conditions.

The Amazon Sword is renowned for its ease of maintenance in addition to its durability. It is a low-maintenance option that still produces an amazing visual impact because it doesn’t require complex maintenance or special nutrients. Because of its comparatively slow growth, you can keep your tank looking well-maintained and tidy without having to constantly prune it.

Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium and contributing to the general well-being of the aquatic ecosystem are two benefits of adding Echinodorus amazonicus. By absorbing excess nutrients, it improves the quality of the water and gives fish a place to live. This plant adds a great deal of versatility and beauty to any aquarium setup with its bushy growth.

Plant Name	Echinodorus amazonicus
Common Name	Amazon Sword
Origin	Amazon River Basin
Appearance	Bushy, broad green leaves
Size	Up to 24 inches tall
Light Requirements	Moderate to high light
Water Conditions	Prefers warm water, tolerates a range of conditions
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast
Care Tips	Regular trimming helps maintain shape, nutrient-rich substrate recommended
Benefits	Enhances aquarium appearance, provides hiding spots for fish

The Amazon Sword, or Echinodorus amazonicus, is a remarkably adaptable aquatic plant that grows well in a range of tank environments. Well-known for its bushy, lush look, this plant enhances the vivid green beauty of any aquarium while also being able to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. For aquarists of all skill levels, the Amazon Sword is a dependable option that will improve the appearance of your tank and withstand changing weather.

Distribution

The Amazonian banks serve as the primary habitat and are the source of the plant’s name. You can find Echinodorus amazonicus in the USA, Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia.

Growing and care

It is thought that Echinodorus amazonicus is a good plant for novices. It has low maintenance requirements and is fairly modest in appearance. Nonetheless, there are a few fundamental guidelines that must be adhered to:

• Aquarium size. Due to the large size of the bush, Echinodorus is best planted in a container with a capacity of 150-200 liters, the minimum size is 100 liters. The optimal water level is 35-40 cm. Otherwise, the leaves of the Amazon sword will spread along the surface of the water and shade other plants in the aquarium.

• Correct planting of a plant purchased in a store. In some nurseries, Echinodorus is grown in an above-water form. Therefore, over time, the bush will get rid of both old roots and leaves. Before planting, it is recommended to trim the existing root system, leaving no more than 2 cm in length. When fixing in the ground, only the light part of the leaves should be buried. When the Echinodorus has acclimatized, new leaf blades will begin to form. With the appearance of each new leaf, one old leaf should be cut off. Thus, the rosette renewal will be gradual, and the plant will not be weakened.

Water parameters for ideal maintenance

Even in cool water, Echinodorus grisebachii can survive for a considerable amount of time. But there’s a risk involved: the plant’s rate of growth and development will slow down. It is recommended that the aquarium’s water parameters be kept at the following levels:

hardness dH – 8-15º;

acid-base balance pH – 7.

Echinodorus prefers neutral water, but it can tolerate changes that lead to a weak alkaline or weak acidic reaction. But you must keep a close eye on the hardness indicators. The plant will suffer from a mineral shortage in excessively soft water, which will impede its growth.

Since Echinodorus prefers clean water, it’s advised to change out 1/5 to 1/3 of the aquarium’s liquid volume once a week.

Lighting requirements

Compared to many other tropical aquatic plants, Echinodorus grisebachii is fairly shade tolerant. This is an additional factor contributing to its appeal to novice aquarists. A luminous flux of 30 lm/l will suffice to maintain the Echinodorus rosette, but an intensity of 60 lm/l is preferable.

The plant needs eight to twelve hours of daylight to maintain its rate of growth and color of leaves. It is possible to combine fluorescent lamps or natural diffused lighting with LED lamps that have a power of 0.5 W/l.

An abundance of algae will eventually appear as a result of excessive lighting. In this situation, it is preferable to lower the lighting fixtures’ brightness or add fish to the aquarium that actively consume algae.

Demanding of the soil, nutrient substrate

The layer level of the soil is essential for the growth of Echinodorus. About 5-7 cm should be the height at which the substrate rises.

The robust rhizome of Echinodorus grisebachii "Amazonicus" will grow normally at this depth of soil.

The nutritional value of the soil influences how a plant looks. With a more "poor" substrate, you can obtain a small bush of echinodorus.

It is preferable to buy soil with a high nutrient content if you want a gorgeous plant with juicy, robust leaves. Imagine that strong plant roots enable the production of granules in both small and large sizes.

Consider the following products when selecting soil for echinodorus content:

• Tetra CompleTesubstrate. A nutrient substrate that must be laid under natural "empty" soil. Does not contain phosphates and nitrates, is a source of microelements.

• JBL Manado. Natural soil that has undergone minimal processing. Is a burned clay without a large amount of nutrients. If enhanced top dressing is required by single plants in the aquarium, they use capsules or tablets that are laid under the roots.

Demanding of fertilizers

This plant gets the majority of its nutrients from the leftovers of fish food, silt, and waste products of its "neighbors" because it primarily functions as a biofilter in the aquarium ecosystem.

Because of this, Echinodorus amazonica typically doesn’t require extra feeding.

The one exception is when Echinodorus grisebachii "Amazonicus" has been exposed to adverse conditions for an extended period of time.

It is advised to feed Echinodorus macro- and microelements such as phosphates, nitrogen, iron, potassium, etc. to promote a quicker recovery.

Since the roots of Echinodorus provide the majority of its nutrition, it is preferable to apply fertilizers in the form of tablets or capsules, such as:

• JBL 7 Kugeln – a fertilizer in the form of balls that need to be buried under the roots of plants, is a source of iron and potassium;

• Tetra Crypto is a tablet fertilizer with a high content of microelements, promotes the formation of a powerful root system, does not contain phosphates and nitrates;

• Tetra PlantaStart is a tablet fertilizer designed to provide a newly planted plant with all the necessary macro- and microelements, promotes the formation of healthy roots and their good anchorage in the soil.

Carbon dioxide supply is not required for Echinodorus amazonica. On the other hand, its presence keeps the plant healthy and encourages more vigorous leaf growth.

Reproduction

Only vegetatively reproduces Echinodorus amazonica. In the rosette, a peduncle forms, which gives rise to daughter plants. Peduncles have tiny knots at the ends that give them an arrow-like appearance. As soon as newly formed shoots start to produce roots, the soil should be used to anchor them.

It is sufficient to lightly bury them or press them down onto the substrate with stones. New rosettes can usually be planted in the aquarium once they are 10 cm long.

Variations and forms plants

No official variations of Echinodorus grisebachii "Amazonicus" have been registered. Aquascaping enthusiasts actively use a variety of naturally occurring and selectively bred representatives of the genus Echinodorus. Among them are:

• E. bleher, Echinodorus Bleheri – grows mainly in South America. It looks similar to Amazonian, but can reach much greater height. The leaves also have a lancet shape and a bright green color. It bushes very strongly, even shade-loving aquarium plants practically do not survive under its shade.

• E. parviflorus, Echinodorus parviflorus – also known as black Amazon. The leaves are similar in appearance to Echinodorus grisebachii "Amazonicus", but on average the leaf blade is wider. The main habitat is the central territories of South America.

• Echinodorus tenellus, Echinodorus tenellus – it is also called the dwarf Amazon. Grows in both South and North America. Grows 7-10 cm in height, quite unpretentious. Unlike its Amazonian relative, it is a groundcover plant.

For those wishing to incorporate a bit of the verdant Amazon rainforest into their aquarium, Echinodorus amazonicus, popularly referred to as the Amazon Sword, is an exceptional option. It is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts because of its vibrant, bushy leaves, which add a distinct, natural beauty to any tank. The remarkable adaptability of this plant allows it to flourish in a wide range of conditions while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your aquatic setup.

The Amazon Sword’s resilience is among its most amazing qualities. This plant is resilient enough to withstand changes in light levels and water conditions. It’s a great choice for novices and experienced aquarium keepers alike because it doesn’t require too much upkeep. The Amazon Sword will thrive and keep improving your aquarium with a little care and attention to its basic requirements, such as periodic nutrient dosing and appropriate lighting.

Beyond its visual allure, Echinodorus amazonicus is also a useful option. Its thick foliage gives fish great cover, making the setting feel cozier and more natural. It is also a useful addition to your aquatic ecosystem because it absorbs excess nutrients and helps to improve the quality of the water.

In summary, the Amazon Sword is a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance, hardy plant to add some color and depth to their aquarium. Its robust nature and gorgeous appearance make it a dependable option for developing a lively, flourishing aquatic habitat.

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