Scientific names: Echinodorus grisebachii (also known as amazonicus, bleherae/bleheri)  

Origins: Native to the Amazon Basin and Central/South America  

Appearance: Forms a rosette of sword‑shaped leaves, typically bright to dark green, reaching 12–20″ (30–50 cm) tall under good conditions  

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Aquarium Care Essentials

✅ Want an easy hardy plant? You got it:

Care level: Beginner-friendly and highly adaptable  

Growth rate: Moderate, with new leaves emerging weekly in ideal conditions  

🌡️ Water & Lighting

Temperature: 72–82 °F (22–28 °C)

pH: Around 6.5–7.5 (acceptable within approx. 6.0–8.0)  

Hardness: 2–12 dGH (3–8 dKH widely supported)  

Lighting: Moderate (20–30 PAR or equivalent) to promote strong green color; 8–12 hours/day is ideal, especially without CO₂  

🪴 Substrate & Nutrition

Heavy root‑feeder: thrives in nutrient‑rich substrate such as aqua soil, clay, or gravel with root tabs  

If using inert substrates like sand or plain gravel, supplement with root tabs regularly  

🧼 Maintenance

Weekly water changes (~20%) to minimize algae and ensure nutrient flow  

Remove decayed or damaged leaves periodically to redirect energy to healthy growth and reduce rot risk  

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Placement & Propagation

Placement: Typically used as a background or midground plant; make sure tank is at least 20 gal (≈ 80 L) and tall enough for its mature height  

Propagation: Produces runners with plantlets—once rooted, these can be separated and replanted elsewhere in the substrate  

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Tank Mates & Uses

Benefit: Excellent natural filtration—absorbs nitrates and other pollutants; provides shelter and spawning surfaces for fish like angelfish and tetras  

Compatible fish: Tetras, cichlids, characins, gouramis, angelfish, shrimp (be cautious with fertilizers containing copper)  

Avoid: Large digging or grazing fish (

e.g., goldfish, plecos, Oscars) that may uproot or damage it