Echinodorus grisebachii - Immersed Potted Plant

Echinodorus grisebachii (commonly known as the "Amazon Sword") is a classic, hardy sword plant prized for its tall, arching leaves and effortless growth. A staple of planted aquaria, it quickly becomes a lush, emerald centrepiece, offering excellent cover for fish and a strong visual anchor in community tanks and Amazon-style aquascapes. Beginner-friendly yet rewarding in high-tech layouts, it’s a dependable background plant for adding height, movement and that “true aquarium” look.

Physical characteristics

• Height & spread: Typically 30–50 cm tall, 20–30 cm wide (larger in rich substrates).

• Form: Dense rosette with long, lanceolate leaves that arch gracefully from a central crown.

• Colour & texture: Light to mid-green; new leaves often paler and slightly translucent before hardening.

Aquarium requirements

• Lighting: Moderate is ample; moderate–high gives faster growth and fuller rosettes.

• CO₂: Not required, but added CO₂ improves vigour and leaf size.

• Water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; appreciates clean, well-filtered water and steady conditions.

• Nutrients: Heavy root feeder—thrives in nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil/mineralised soil). In inert sand or gravel, use root tabs regularly. Supply balanced macros/micros in the column to prevent deficiencies (pinholes/yellowing).

Planting instructions

• Plant the root mass deeply but keep the crown above the substrate to prevent rot.

• Give it room—avoid cramping under hardscape or other tall plants.

• Ideal as a background specimen or off-centre focal point in medium–large tanks (90 cm+).

Care & maintenance

• Remove older or damaged outer leaves by cutting close to the crown.

• Thin surrounding stems to avoid shading.

• In rich soil it may produce emergent flower stalks; you can let them grow (for plantlets) or trim for tidiness.

Propagation

• Most commonly via adventitious plantlets on flower stalks. When plantlets have several leaves and visible roots, cut and replant.

• Occasional basal side-shoots can be separated and replanted.

Aquascaping use

• Superb background or solitary specimen adding vertical structure and a natural jungle feel.

• Pairs beautifully with carpets (e.g., Monte Carlo, dwarf hairgrass) and fine green stems; its broad leaves contrast well with rock/wood hardscape.

• Excellent shelter for shy fish, fry and shrimp.

Common challenges & tips

• Pale leaves / pinholes: Increase root nutrition (tabs/soil) and ensure potassium/trace supply.

• Crowding the scape: Strategic leaf thinning keeps sightlines open.

• Crown rot: Always keep the crown exposed; avoid burying.

• Algae on leaves: Improve flow, keep organics low, and maintain stable CO₂/light balance.

Echinodorus grisebachii is a dependable, fast-establishing Amazon sword that brings instant greenery, height and movement to freshwater aquariums. Provide a nutrient-rich root zone, moderate light, and occasional pruning, and it will thrive—delivering that iconic, lush planted-tank look with minimal fuss.

Origin
Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth Rate
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height
Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light Demand
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0.5 W/L.

CO2 Demand
A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.