Echinodorus (Amazon Sword)

Echinodorus is a large genus of aquatic plants in the family Alismataceae, widely distributed across wetlands and river margins throughout North and South America. Commonly sold under the trade name 'Amazon Sword,' these plants produce broad, lance-shaped leaves radiating from a central rosette, creating a bold focal point in mid to background positions. Propagation via runners carrying daughter plants is prolific and straightforward. Medium to bright illumination is recommended, but most species survive without CO2 injection, making them accessible to beginners. Root nutrition uptake is vigorous, so root tabs placed near the base are particularly beneficial. Size varies enormously by species, from compact desktop varieties to giants exceeding one meter.