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Echinodorus ‘Big Bear’ is a large and impressive Amazon Sword-type aquarium plant, valued for its broad leaves and strong growth. It makes an excellent centrepiece or background plant for larger freshwater aquariums where plenty of space is available.

New leaves can develop attractive reddish or bronze tones before maturing into deeper green, creating excellent contrast against darker plants and hardscape. With good lighting and nutrition, Big Bear can develop into a substantial specimen and become one of the main features of a planted aquarium.

Like other Echinodorus varieties, it is primarily a heavy root feeder. A nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs will help support vigorous growth. CO₂ is not essential, but additional CO₂ can encourage faster growth and larger, healthier leaves.

It is particularly well suited to larger community aquariums, aquascapes and Amazon-style layouts. Give it plenty of room around the crown so the plant can expand naturally.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus ‘Big Bear’
• Common Name: Echinodorus Big Bear / Big Bear Sword
• Type: Rosette / Sword Plant
• Family: Alismataceae
• Adult Size: Approximately 30–50+ cm
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Minimum Aquarium: 100 L recommended
• Lighting: Low to High
• CO₂: Optional, beneficial
• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Position: Background / Centrepiece
• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets or flower stalks
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate recommended
• Root Tabs: Highly recommended
• Freshwater: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Echinodorus Big Bear get?

It can reach around 30–50 cm or more under good aquarium conditions, making it best suited to medium and large aquariums.

Does Echinodorus Big Bear need CO₂?

No. It can grow successfully without injected CO₂, although CO₂ supplementation can improve growth and leaf development.

Does it need root tabs?

Yes. Echinodorus plants are heavy root feeders, so regular root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate are highly beneficial.

Where should I plant Big Bear?

It is best positioned in the background or as a feature plant in the centre of a larger aquarium.

Can it be grown in low light?

Yes. It can tolerate lower lighting, although stronger light and good nutrition will generally produce more vigorous growth.

Why are the older leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing older leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly insufficient root nutrition. Check the substrate and consider adding root tabs.

Common Mistakes

• Burying the crown of the plant beneath the substrate.
• Not providing enough root nutrition.
• Planting it too close to other plants.
• Expecting rapid growth without adequate nutrients.
• Removing healthy new leaves because they appear reddish or bronze.
• Choosing it for a small aquarium without allowing enough room for mature growth.