Echinodorus Grisebachii – Small

Introduction

Echinodorus Grisebachii, also known as Amazon Sword, is a hardy and attractive aquatic plant that is a staple in freshwater aquariums. With its broad, vibrant green leaves and easy-care requirements, this plant is perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarists. It provides excellent shelter for fish and shrimp while contributing to a natural and well-balanced ecosystem. Due to its impressive size and adaptability, Echinodorus Grisebachii is widely used in planted aquariums and aquascaping.

Origin

Native to South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, Echinodorus Grisebachii thrives in slow-moving freshwater rivers, ponds, and wetlands. It is well-suited for tropical aquariums and is one of the most commonly used sword plants in the hobby.

Scientific Name

Echinodorus grisebachii

Lighting Requirements

Moderate to high lighting is ideal for Echinodorus Grisebachii. While it can survive in low light, providing medium to strong lighting will encourage faster growth, deeper green coloration, and larger leaf development. Aim for 10-12 hours of light per day to maintain its health and vibrant appearance.

Care Level

Easy. Echinodorus Grisebachii is a low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It can tolerate a wide range of conditions and is highly adaptable to different aquarium setups.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Hardness: 3-12 dGH
  This plant thrives in tropical aquariums with stable water conditions. It prefers soft to moderately hard water but can adapt to a variety of environments.

Placement

Best suited for the background of an aquarium due to its large size and broad leaves. It can also be used in the midground for larger tanks. When fully grown, Echinodorus Grisebachii serves as a stunning focal point in aquascapes.

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast. With proper lighting and nutrients, this plant will grow quickly, producing tall and lush green foliage that enhances the overall aesthetic of the aquarium.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO2: Not required but beneficial for faster growth and stronger leaf development.
• Fertilizer: Regular root tabs and liquid fertilizers are highly recommended. Echinodorus Grisebachii is a heavy root feeder, so a nutrient-rich substrate will significantly boost its growth.

Potential Problems

• Yellowing or Transparent Leaves: May indicate a lack of nutrients (especially iron deficiency). Adding root tabs and liquid fertilizers can resolve this.
• Algae Growth: Strong lighting without proper nutrient balance can cause algae buildup on the leaves. Proper tank maintenance and algae eaters can help manage this issue.
• Melt: Newly planted Echinodorus Grisebachii may experience leaf melt as it adjusts to aquarium conditions. However, it will regrow once established.

Compatible Fishes

• Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Rummy-Nose)
• Gouramis and Angelfish
• Livebearers (Guppies, Platies, Mollies)
• Corydoras and Loaches
• Shrimp and Snails
  Its broad leaves provide excellent hiding spots for fish and shrimp, making it a great addition to community tanks.

Other Suitable Plants

Echinodorus Grisebachii pairs well with:

• Cryptocoryne species(for contrast)
• Anubias species (for foreground balance)
• Vallisneria species (for background coverage)
• Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) (for variety)

Tropical or Cold Water?

Tropical. It thrives in warm water temperatures between 22-28°C (72-82°F), making it ideal for tropical freshwater aquariums.

What Fish Can Eat It?

While most fish do not eat Echinodorus Grisebachii, Goldfish, Plecos, and Silver Dollars may nibble on its leaves. It is generally resilient and can recover from mild grazing.

A Fun Fact

Echinodorus Grisebachii is often confused with Echinodorus Bleheri, another popular Amazon Sword variety. However, Grisebachii typically has narrower leaves compared to Bleheri’s broader foliage. This plant is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in home aquariums!