Amazon Sword Bleheri

The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus grisebachii) is one of those plants that just looks right – broad, vivid green blades arching outward to create that lush, unmistakably tropical atmosphere that drew most of us into the hobby in the first place. Reaching 30–50 cm tall, it’s a natural background focal point in medium to large aquariums, and its broad leaves provide excellent cover for shy fish and a favoured egg-laying surface for species like Angelfish.

Plant your amazon sword in a deep, nutrient-rich substrate and supplement with root tabs every few months, this is primarily a root feeder and it needs iron and minerals to stay vibrant and green. It adapts well to a pH of 6.5–7.5 under moderate light on a consistent 8–10 hour photoperiod. Don’t move it once planted; its root system extends considerably and it resents disturbance.

One important detail: never bury the crown. Keep the base right at the substrate surface or it will rot. It pairs beautifully with fish that produce plenty of waste, which acts as natural fertiliser. CO2 helps but isn’t essential. Amazon Sword is a genuinely resilient plant that rewards basic care with steady, impressive growth. A classic, available from Silverstream.