
Echinodorus (Amazon Sword)
Echinodorus bleheri
Description
Echinodorus bleheri (known as the Amazon Sword) is the staple plant for a discus aquarium. Native to the Amazon basin, it tolerates 28–30°C perfectly. Popular varieties: bleheri, amazonicus, osiris, Red Flame, Ozelot.
🌍 Origin
South America — the Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia). The same habitat as discus.
Appearance
Large, lance-shaped, bright green leaves. Can reach 40–50 cm in height. A central rosette from which the leaves grow.
Recommended parameters
Compatibility with discus
The #1 plant for a discus aquarium. The large leaves provide natural shelter and shaded zones.
Care
Requires nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Tolerates a no-CO2 setup.
Substrate
Active substrate or sand + root tabs. Strong roots — plant deep.
Fertilization
Root tabs monthly. Weekly liquid fertilizer optional.
💡 Practical tips
- →Root tabs are mandatory
- →Plant deep, with the crown above the substrate
- →Trim old leaves to encourage regrowth
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