Description
Care & Maintenance:
- Lighting: While Amazon Sword plants will tolerate most lighting conditions, moderate to high lighting is ideal for optimal growth and vibrant foliage. Low lighting may lead to slower growth and less lush plants.
- CO2: CO2 injection is not necessary for Amazon Sword plants, though adding CO2 can help them grow faster and more robustly. For most hobbyists, Amazon Sword plants will thrive without it.
- Temperature & pH: Amazon Swords thrive in temperatures between 72° – 82° F (22° – 27° C) and a pH of 6.5 – 7.5. The plants are hardy and can adapt to a variety of conditions.
- Growth Rate: Amazon Sword plants grow quickly when provided with the right care, especially in a nutrient-rich substrate.
Propagation & Maintenance:
- Propagation: These plants propagate via adventitious shoots that grow from the base or leaves. These can be trimmed and replanted into the substrate for new plants.
- Pruning: Due to their large size, Amazon Sword plants can quickly take over the tank if not regularly pruned. Trim older leaves and side shoots to help manage their size and prevent them from shading smaller plants.
Substrate & Fertilization:
- Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders, requiring a nutrient-dense substrate for the best growth. It’s important to provide the plant with a rich substrate to ensure healthy roots and vibrant growth.
- Fertilization: Supplementing the aquarium with liquid fertilizers will help provide the necessary nutrients for Amazon Sword plants, particularly those that support root health.
Tank Placement & Ideal Conditions:
- Height: These plants can grow from 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm), so ensure you have enough vertical space in your tank, especially in the background of larger aquascapes.
- Tank Placement: Amazon Swords are best suited for background placement in larger aquariums where their size won’t crowd other plants. Their size can easily block light to smaller plants, so regular pruning is necessary to avoid shading other plants.
- Water Changes: Maintain stable water parameters and avoid drastic changes, as fluctuating water conditions can cause the plant to melt or rot.
