Overview:

Common Names: Amazon Sword
Scientific Name:Echinodorus grisebachii 'Bleherae'
Synonym:Echinodorus bleherae, Echinodorus bleheri, Echinodorus brevipedicellatus, Echinodorus paniculatus, Echinodorus platyphylla, Echinodorus rangeri, Echinodorus tocatins, Echinodorus toguina
Origin: South and Central America; Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba
Height: 20 inches (50 cm)
Width: 20 inches (50 cm)
Growth Rate: Fast
Placement: Background
Lighting Needs: High to Moderate
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.5 - 7.5
Hardness: to 18° dGH
Difficulty: Easy


Origin and Distribution:

Echinodorus grisebachii 'Bleherae' is the most widely distributed member of the group of plants collectively known as swordplants. Over the years E grisebachii has been referred to by a number of names, including Echinodorus amazonicus, Echinodorus paniculatus, and most recently Echinodorus bleherae (or E bleheri). DNA testing has revealed that it is in fact, Echinodorus grisebachii, although it is often referred to by previous names. The precise origin of this species is unknown, largely due to previous confusion over taxonomy. However, the general area of origin is well known as being Central and South America, including Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, and Cuba. First exported from Brazil, this plant is now cultivated widely for sale in the aquarium trade, along with a number of similar species. It is notable that dozens of species of swordplants exist, and new variations are popping up regularly.

Description:

Considered by many to be the most beautiful of all swordplants, this species is certainly the most common, as well as the most popular.

A large part of the popularity is due to its hardiness and ease of care. However, E grisebachii is a large plant that will grow up to two feet in width and height, when given optimal conditions. This large size makes it best suited for medium to large tanks, rather than small aquariums. For this reason, care should be taken when choosing this plant for an aquarium.

E grisebachii is a rosette plant, meaning the leaves grow in tufts of two to three dozen long slender (lancolate) leaves, with stems at the level of the substrate. These leaves are light green in color, narrowly oval, and curve slightly. As the plant matures floral stems will develop, and in their whorls young plants arise. These plantlets can be separated and transplanted after roots have been formed.

If given suitable light and nutritients, vast numbers of leaves will grow, making the plant the focal point of the aquarium. The downside of this is the fact that smaller plants will be shaded by the larger plant, and often will die off. E grisebachii will also develop a vast root system when given the proper conditions, thus requiring a deeper substrate to accomodate this growth. When not provided with sufficient light, growth rates will be much slower.

Placement/Uses:

As previously mentioned, this plant grows quite large, and therefore is not suitable for small aquariums. It is best suited for large tanks, or as one of just a few plants in a medium sized aquarium. Generally they are used singly, due to their size. However, in a large enough tank, groups of them can be planted in the background. Because they grow so large, do not place them near smaller plants that will be quickly overshadowed. However, when properly placed, E grisebachii makes a great contrast for plants with lighter or darker colored leaves.

The leaves of swordplants are popular as breeding spots for a number of egg-laying cichlids species. Angelfish in particular, often select such plants to lay their eggs on. Likewise, small fish enjoy this plant because it provides good hiding places. Another use for E grisebachii is to conceal aquarium equipment.

Care:

Like all swordplants, E grisebachii needs to have lots of light and does best when fertilized, particularly with iron. Supplemental CO2 will enhance growth and vitality in this plant, but is not necessary for this plant to thrive. They will adapt to a broad range of water conditions. However, they prefer moderate temperatures in the range of 72-82°F (22-28°C) and bright full spectrum lighting, at 50 watts per 25 gallons.

Leaves that are turning yellow or damaged in any way should be promptly removed, as this species does not mend damaged leaves. Likewise, roots that are exposed or damaged should also be trimmed. Trimming of leaves and roots will actually stimulate more robust growth.

Growth/Propagation:

Given good lighting, the Amazon Sword will grow rapidly, to the point it can become too large for the tank. Regular trimming of leaves and roots will help keep it to a desirable size. When given reduced light, growth will slow down considerably.

Sword plants reproduce readily in the aquarium through root division, and Echinodorus grisebachii 'Bleherae' is no exception to that rule. A large plant can be gently removed from the substrate and made into several plants by splitting it at the base. They also produce submersed flower stalks, which produce plantlets. Once the plantlets produce roots, they can be removed and planted as new plants. If the stalk is left in place, it will continue to produce new plantlets regularly.