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
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.
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.
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 22–28°C |
pH | 6.5–7.5 |
Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
CO₂ | Optional but promotes stronger growth and larger leaves |
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.
Reproduces via adventitious plantlets on the flower stalk.
Once the plantlets grow several leaves and roots, cut and replant them in the substrate.
Perfect for community tanks with peaceful fish.
Avoid large herbivorous species (like silver dollars or some cichlids) that may eat or uproot the leaves.
Echinodorus grandiflorus can grow emerged (partially above water) in open-top aquariums or paludariums, where it may produce striking white flowers on tall stalks!