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Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you’re looking for a lush, green addition to your aquarium, the Amazon sword plant is a fantastic choice.
This popular aquatic plant is native to South America and can add depth and color to any fish tank.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for an Amazon sword plant in your aquarium.
Appearance of Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant
The Amazon sword plant (Echinodorus bleheri) is a large, leafy freshwater plant that can grow up to 20 inches tall in the right conditions.
Its long stems are topped with broad, bright green leaves that fan out from the base.
These leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
One of the unique features of this species is its ability to change color under certain conditions.
For example, if there’s not enough light in your tank or if the water quality isn’t optimal, the leaves may turn yellow or brownish-green.
Care Requirements for Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant
To keep your Amazon sword healthy and vibrant, it’s important to provide it with proper care:
- Lighting: This species requires moderate lighting (at least 0.5 watts per liter) for optimal growth and coloration.
- Water quality: The ideal pH range for an Amazon sword plant is between 6.5-7.5 with medium-hard water being preferred; soft water should be avoided as it may lead to stunted growth or nutrient deficiency issues.
- Fertilization:The root system needs both macro-and micro-nutrients like iron which are essential fertilizers; dosing some potassium nitrate and a quality iron supplement with trace elements will be beneficial for the plant.
- Substrate: The Amazon sword plant is a heavy root feeder, so it’s important to have nutrient-rich substrate like Eco-complete or Flourite.
- Temperature: This species thrives best in temperatures between 68-82°F.
In addition to these basic care requirements, it’s essential to keep an eye on your Amazon sword plant for signs of stress or disease.
If you notice any yellowing leaves or wilting stems, check the water parameters and lighting conditions first.
It could be due to lack of nutrients or insufficient light which can cause melting, yellowing leaves,and stunted growth also fungal infections like black beard algae must be avoided by keeping up with regular cleaning schedules.
Propagation of Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant
If you want more Amazon sword plants in your aquarium, there are two methods of propagation: runners and division.
The easiest way is through runners which are new shoots that grow from the base of the mother plant.Once they develop enough roots and leaves it can then be snipped off carefully at its base with a clean pair of scissors.
Then replant them into soil rich substrate; this new baby should start growing quickly if provided enough nutrients from fertilizers.
An aquarium with an amazon sword plant as decoration
The Benefits Of Adding An Amazon Sword Aquarium Plant
- Natural filtration: The Amazon sword plant is known for its ability to filter toxins from the water and create a more natural environment for your fish.
- Habitat enrichment: It can provide hiding places and spawning sites as well as enriching the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium.
- Easy to maintain: This species is not difficult to care for, so it’s ideal even for novice aquarists
The Bottom Line
The Amazon sword plant is an easy-to-care-for but beautiful aquatic plant that can make a great addition to any aquarium.
By providing optimal conditions like good lighting, water quality, nutrient-rich substrate or fertilizers you can enjoy this greenery in your fish tank while allowing your fish to lead healthier lives too!
