Red Amazon Sword

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About Red Amazon Sword

The Red Amazon Sword is a striking freshwater aquarium plant prized for its broad, sword-shaped leaves and deep red, burgundy and bronze colouration. It makes an excellent centrepiece plant for larger aquariums, where its bold foliage can create an impressive natural focal point.

Red Amazon Swords are primarily heavy root feeders, so a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs are particularly important. With adequate nutrition, lighting and stable conditions, they can develop into large, lush specimens.

They are generally hardy once established and are suitable for a wide range of community and planted aquariums. As they can become quite large, they are best positioned toward the background or as a central feature in larger tanks.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Echinodorus sp. 'Red'
Common Name: Red Amazon Sword
Family: Alismataceae
Type: Freshwater Aquarium Plant / Rosette Plant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Placement: Background / Centrepiece
Lighting: Moderate to High
CO₂: Recommended but not essential
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Propagation: Adventitious Plantlets / Division
Growth Form: Large Rosette

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Amazon Sword easy to grow?

Yes. It is generally considered easy to intermediate and can adapt to a wide range of planted aquarium conditions.

Does Red Amazon Sword need CO₂?

No. It can grow successfully without injected CO₂, although supplementation can encourage faster growth and larger, healthier leaves.

What does Red Amazon Sword need to grow well?

The most important factor is good root nutrition. Use a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, combined with suitable lighting and regular water-column fertilisation.

How big does a Red Amazon Sword get?

Depending on the variety and growing conditions, it can become a large centrepiece plant, so allow plenty of room for mature leaves.

Where should I plant a Red Amazon Sword?

Place it toward the background or centre of larger aquariums, giving it enough space so its large leaves don't shade smaller plants.

Common Mistakes

Using an inert substrate without root fertilisation
Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders and benefit greatly from nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.

Planting the crown too deeply
Keep the central crown above the substrate to prevent rot.

Underestimating its mature size
A small specimen can eventually become a substantial plant.

Allowing it to shade smaller plants
Regular removal of older or excessively large leaves helps manage its footprint.

Frequently moving the plant
Allow the root system time to establish rather than repeatedly disturbing it.