Overview
The Amazon sword is a classic large rosette plant from South America, prized for its broad, bright-green lance-shaped leaves. A mature specimen can fill the back or centre of a tank on its own, giving fish shade and structure.
It is famously forgiving, tolerating a wide range of light and water, which makes it one of the best beginner background plants. Its one real demand is a nutrient-rich root zone.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low-medium |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Placement | Background / centre |
| Max height | 12-20 in (30-50 cm) |
| Feeding | Root feeder , use root tabs |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Propagation | Adventitious plantlets |
Light & CO2
Amazon swords do well under low to medium light and do not need pressurised CO2, though brighter light and CO2 produce faster, fuller growth. Too much light without nutrients invites algae on the big leaves.
Planting & placement
Plant it in the substrate with the crown (where leaves meet roots) just above the surface , burying the crown causes rot. It has a large root system, so give it a few inches of substrate at the back or centre where its size won't shade smaller plants.
Feeding & growth
This is a heavy root feeder. Push root tabs into the substrate near the roots every few months; a nutrient-poor inert gravel with no tabs leads to yellowing, holey leaves. Trim old outer leaves at the base to keep it tidy.
Propagation
Amazon swords send up adventitious plantlets on flower stalks (and sometimes runners). Once a plantlet has several leaves and its own roots, snip it off and plant it separately.
Common problems
Yellowing or transparent, hole-riddled leaves usually mean a nutrient deficiency (iron, potassium) , dose the substrate and water column. Melting after planting is normal as the plant converts from emersed nursery growth to submersed leaves.
Fun facts
- A single mature Amazon sword can carry 20+ large leaves and fill a whole background.
- It is a heavy ROOT feeder , root tabs matter far more than liquid ferts for this plant.
- Nursery plants are often grown out of water (emersed) and 'melt' before regrowing submersed leaves.
- Burying the crown causes rot; keep it just above the substrate.
- It reproduces by sending out plantlets on tall stalks that you can replant.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Amazon sword need CO2?
No. It grows well without added CO2 under low to medium light. CO2 and stronger light simply make it grow faster and fuller.
Why are my Amazon sword leaves turning yellow with holes?
That is almost always a nutrient deficiency , commonly potassium or iron. Amazon swords are heavy root feeders, so add root tabs to the substrate and consider a liquid fertiliser.
How big does an Amazon sword get?
A mature plant reaches 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) tall and equally wide, so it suits the background or centre of a 20-gallon or larger tank.
How do you propagate an Amazon sword?
It produces baby plantlets on flower stalks. Once a plantlet has several leaves and roots, cut it free and plant it in the substrate.
Is the Amazon sword good for beginners?
Yes , it is hardy, undemanding on light and CO2, and forgiving of water conditions. Its main need is a nutrient-rich root zone from root tabs.
