Echinodorus grandiflorus 'Sword'

Echinodorus grandiflorus 'Sword' Care Guide

Scientific Name: Echinodorus grandiflorus
Common Name: Large Amazon Sword, Spade-Leaf Sword
Origin: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay)
Type: Rosette plant
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Placement: Background
Size: Can reach up to 50–70 cm tall and 30–40 cm wide

Lighting

• Moderate to high light is ideal for healthy, lush growth.

• Under low light, leaves can become pale, and growth will slow significantly.

• Provide 8–10 hours of light daily for best results.

Substrate & Root Feeding

• Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate like aquarium soil or fine gravel with root tabs.

• Heavy root feeder — fertilize regularly with root tabs.

• Avoid disturbing the roots once planted, as this species dislikes frequent replanting.

Water Parameters

✂️ Maintenance

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base.

• Prune periodically to prevent the plant from overshadowing smaller species.

• Once mature, the plant may send up flower stalks that can develop plantlets — these can be propagated easily.

Propagation

• Reproduces via adventitious plantlets on the flower stalk.

• Once the plantlets grow several leaves and roots, cut and replant them in the substrate.

Tank Mates

• Perfect for community tanks with peaceful fish.

• Avoid large herbivorous species (like silver dollars or some cichlids) that may eat or uproot the leaves.

Interesting Fact

Echinodorus grandiflorus can grow emerged (partially above water) in open-top aquariums or paludariums, where it may produce striking white flowers on tall stalks!