Amazon Sword (bleheri)
Amazon Sword (bleheri)
Amazon Sword bleheri is the classic broad-leaved form of the iconic Amazon Sword — one of the most widely recognized and beloved aquarium plants in the world. Producing broad, vivid green lance-shaped leaves in a full, luxuriant rosette, bleheri is the quintessential large background centerpiece plant whose natural beauty and easy care have made it the standard-bearer of the Echinodorus genus for generations of aquarists.
Care tip: Amazon Sword (bleheri) is a root feeder that benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5. CO₂ is not required for this variety.
Growing to 16 to 20 inches, Amazon Sword bleheri is a natural background plant for medium and larger aquariums whose full, well-developed rosette creates impressive visual mass and natural shelter. Root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate are the most effective care investment — the difference between an adequately grown and an impressively grown bleheri is primarily substrate nutrition. Regular root feeding creates progressively larger, healthier leaves.
This easy plant requires no CO₂ supplementation and grows under medium lighting. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 provide comfortable conditions. Its exceptional adaptability means it grows reliably across a wide range of water parameters and lighting conditions, making it one of the most practically dependable background plants available.
In the aquascape, Amazon Sword bleheri creates the classic, full-rosette green background centerpiece that has defined the planted aquarium aesthetic for decades. Its broad leaves create natural shelter for fish, its full rosette provides visual grounding in the background zone, and its easy care means it is always reliably beautiful. In virtually any planted aquarium style, a well-grown bleheri is an asset.
Amazon Sword bleheri is the foundational large background plant of the freshwater aquarium hobby. Its classic beauty, easy care, and universal adaptability make it an essential and beloved plant that every aquarist should have experience growing.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
| Max Height | 16–20 inches |
| Light Level | Moderate |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Not Required |
| Origin | South America |
| Notes | The bleheri form of the classic Amazon Sword producing broad, bright green lance-shaped leaves with a full, healthy rosette. One of the most reliably grown large aquarium plants available — adaptable, easy, and naturally beautiful. Root tabs and a nutrient-rich substrate bring out the fullest, most impressive growth. |
