Does Amazon Sword need CO2?

Amazon Sword grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.

What light does Amazon Sword need?

Amazon Sword is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.

Is Amazon Sword safe for shrimp?

Yes. Amazon Sword is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easymedium lightCO2 helpfulmedium growthrosette

Amazon Sword

Echinodorus grisebachii

Amazon Sword is a large rosette plant native to South America. It produces broad, lance-shaped leaves and can dominate a tank when mature, making it best suited as a solo background centerpiece in medium to large aquariums. Roots heavily and benefits from root tabs.

Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high

Livestock warningAmazon Sword is at moderate-to-high risk from herbivores and fin-nippers — check your fish list before buying.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightmedium

CO2Beneficial

FertiliserNeeded

Growth ratemedium

Max height50cm

Placementbackground

Min tank80L

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C

pH6.5–7.5

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore riskmoderate

Propagationdaughter plants on runners

Beginner guidance

Plant in nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs. Leaves will melt after moving, this is normal; new growth will be adapted to your tank. Remove damaged old leaves early to reduce algae.

Cautions

Can outgrow tanks under 80L quickly.

Sources

Echinodorus grisebachii. Wikipedia — Species article covering South American origin, blade morphology, and aquarium popularity.
Echinodorus grisebachii (Amazon Sword). Flowgrow — Care guide: substrate requirements, fertiliser needs, and runner propagation.

Fish whose water overlaps

Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.

Similar plants

Java Mosseasy · low light · no CO2
Anubiaseasy · low light · no CO2
Java Ferneasy · low light · no CO2
Hornworteasy · low light · no CO2
Water Wisteriaeasy · medium light · no CO2
Dwarf Hairgrassmedium · medium light · no CO2

Plan the tank around this plant

Set a 80L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Amazon Sword.

Open pair checker Tank builder

Tank hubs: 80L

Related plant guides

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All plants 80L tank hub

Common questions about Amazon Sword

Does Amazon Sword need CO2?: Amazon Sword grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.
What light does Amazon Sword need?: Amazon Sword is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.
Is Amazon Sword beginner-friendly?: Amazon Sword is rated easy for difficulty. Plant in nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs. Leaves will melt after moving, this is normal; new growth will be adapted to your tank. Remove damaged old leaves early to reduce algae.
Is Amazon Sword safe for shrimp?: Yes. Amazon Sword is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.