Echinodorus amazonicus
Origin / Breeder : Synonym of : Echinodorus grisebachii Small'
| light: | much-medium |
|---|---|
| temperature: | 22-28°C |
| Growth: | fast |
| Location: | background |
| height: | up to 40cm |
| pH: | 5-8 |
| water hardness: | soft to hard |
| Co2: | 20-30mg/L |
| propagation: | side shoots
Offshoot on flowering shoot |
German name: Schmalblättrige Amazonas-Schwertpflanze
Echinodorus amazonicus is probably one of the first aquarium plants to appear in freshwater aquariums, and one of the most popular and widely distributed. This species grows well completely in water, is very unpretentious, resists a wide range of water parameters and does not require strong lighting, and also grows and reproduces well. All in all, an excellent aquarium plant for a home aquarium. As the name suggests, this plant originates from the Amazon basin. Echinodorus amazonicus is also known as Echinodorus brevipedicellatus and Amazon sword plant. It is sometimes confused with Echinodorus bleheri as these species are close relatives and the bleheri is also called the Amazon sword. Echinodorus amazonicus is a large species, better suited for aquariums of 100 liters or more. The plant can reach a height of 40 cm. Echinodorus amazonicus is a rosette species, the leaves resemble a lanceolate shape, about 2-3 cm wide. The leaves are from light green (mostly young) to dark green, with sharp pointed ends and a rather short stem . The leaves are seen with five veins that run from the base to the tip of each leaf. The plant can grow both underwater and above the water surface. When purchasing, choose plants with long, healthy green leaves. Make sure the leaves do not have holes, cracks or brown spots. The plant should look healthy and have a solid root system. Try to avoid plants with discolored or dying leaves. In a low-tech aquarium, Echinodorus amazonicus may take a long time to acclimate to its new environment and grow slowly. It is common for Echinodorus to begin to ache and wilt after planting and for the leaves to die. Don't panic, just prune the dying leaves and give the plant time to acclimate. For Echinodorus amazonicus to have a very attractive appearance, it should be planted in shallow, light soil with a substrate that contains nutrients, especially iron. Echinodorus has a very strong root system, so the soil height should be at least 5 cm.When planting, be careful not to plant the crown of the plant in the ground - it should be above the ground and visible. Echinodorus are often planted separately in flower pots, providing a good soil level. Lighting in the aquarium should be at least 0.5 watts per liter of water, with full lighting range (5000-7000K). Recommended temperature 22-28 degrees Celsius, total water hardness 3-8 dH, pH 6.5-7.5. It is advisable to add additional nutrients to the aquarium: Nitrogen, phosphates and trace elements, iron is strongly recommended. The addition of CO2 is optional, but possible in small quantities. If the leaves of Echinodorus amazonicus began to turn yellow, it most likely indicates a lack of nutrients, most likely iron. Echinodorus leaves are often covered with algae. You can cut off algae-damaged plants or add algae-eating helpers such as Amano shrimp, red cherry shrimp, Ototsinklus catfish, Neretina snails and others to the aquarium. The appearance of algae is most often caused by the unsatisfactory water condition in the aquarium and excessive lighting. Try to perform water changes in the aquarium more often and reduce the light intensity. Echinodorus amazonicus reproduces with the help of adventitious roots and shoots. For the formation of shoots, the plant must grow completely under water, although their appearance is possible when Echinodorus grows above water. When roots appear on the shoot, it is cut off and planted in the ground. Echinodorus amazonicus is a large plant used as a background plant in the background. It can be planted singly to create a striking, eye-catching centerpiece. Its rich green leaves will really stand out, especially against a black background. In combination with other plants, you can get a very interesting background. If you plant Echinodorus amazonicus with similar plants, you can create the effect of a dense forest. It can also be used to hide aquarium equipment such as filters and heaters.[1].
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Kostiantyn Loboda, Black Water http://echinodorus.com.ua/