Amazon Swords

[Mugwump]

Care Level: Moderate 
Lighting: Moderate 
Placement: Background 
Water Conditions: 72-82? F, KH 3-8, pH 6.5-7.5 
Propagation: Peduncles 
Max. Size: 1' 8" 
Color Form: Green 
Supplements: Iron-Rich Fertilizer 
Origin: Farm Raised, USA 
Family: Alismataceae 

The Amazon Sword Plant, Echinodorus amazonicus, is a Rosette plant that is very popular with aquarium hobbyists. They are capable of reaching approximately 20 inches in height under proper water conditions. The Amazon Sword Plant has short rhizomes, numerous lance shaped leaves that are pale to dark green with sharply pointed tips, and fairly short stems. It is an amphibious plant that will grow either partially or fully submersed.
For the most beautiful Amazon Sword Plants, a loose substrate and an iron-rich fertilizer must be used. The Amazon Sword Plant requires at least 2 watts per gallon of full spectrum lighting (5000-7000K). The aquarium temperature should be from 72?-82?F, with an alkalinity of 3 to 8 dKH and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Propagation is by adventitious plants on the covered peduncles.

Best cultivated in large aquariums, Amazon Sword Plants make a great focal point if used singly. When used in groups, they create an interesting background when grown with other aquarium plants.

Approximate Shipping Size: Regular: 6" to 9"; Large: 10" to 13"; Show Size: 16" to 19"

[Jo]

I love these plants and are some of the ones I've had luck with. I don't have any right now but want some.

[b125killer]

This is one plant that I have had some luck with. I have got 3 plants off the mother plant and it has one more just waiting for it's own tank.
 

[Jo]

If you get more of them than you want I'd buy some from you. I love the sword plants.

[b125killer]

If you get more of them than you want I'd buy some from you. I love the sword plants.

If I get anymore I'll let you know. I took the CO2 out of the tank that the mother plant was in and it hasn't got any new shoots. I'll get the co2 back in there and see if it will give me some more.

[b125killer]

I got my co2 back in the tank. once I get some more shoots I'll let you know.

[Jo]

Cool!

[LizStreithorst]

This is the only plant that I can grow.  I have 2 monster ones in the 125 at the shop.  I put old rotted goat poo (I used to raise dairy goats and have an old bar full of poo).  I have one in a pot in one of the tanks at home.  Sometimes it does well and sometimes the leaves die and I have to purne it back to just a few leaves.  Then it comes back.  Could be the higher temps in the Discus tank.  Don't know.

None of mine make babies.  Not even the monster ones at the shop.  Too bad.  I'd like one in all my BB tanks at home.  Any suggestions other than CO2?  And if I cut one of my monster ones into thirds and pot them up will they grow or die?

[Mugwump]

We've split plants but swords don't like being disturbed much..we just cut it back, after replanting and gave a few plants tabs...they come back when they settle in...

[P4Angels]

jon what root tabs are you using these days?

[Mugwump]

I'll have to check with Jan..she found some tiny ones somewhere...we're looking for another source, these aren't as good as the last ones.....the guy made his own and we haven't seen him at the swaps in awhile..

[Rjb3]

I had some plant tabs that I made up for the last swap. I've been experimenting with them for a while now and arrived at what I think is the best mix.

I also have small bags of my Plant-Tastic substrate saturated with a liquid fertilizer I call Rocket Fuel.

[Mugwump]

Thanx, Bob..I've been meaning to try your substrate...I wasn't aware of the tabs too....

[Frank The Plumber]

I like Radican Swords a bit more. Easier to keep and last longer. Need less light. Harder to find though.

[LizStreithorst]

Does anyone have any Amazon Sword or Radican sword babies for sale?  I've been trying to talk myself put of buying 8 of them, but in these cases, what my heart wants always wins out.