Stoffels Echinodorus grisebachii ‘Bleherae’

The Echinodorus grisebachii ‘Bleherae’, commonly known as Bleher’s Sword or Amazon Sword, is one of the most iconic aquatic plants in the hobby. With its broad, bright green leaves and impressive size, it makes an excellent choice for adding a natural, lush look to medium to large aquariums. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquarists, and it works well as a background or centerpiece plant, creating an eye-catching focal point.

Key Features:

• Broad Green Leaves: Bleher’s Sword features large, sword-shaped leaves that are vibrant green, giving a lush and dense appearance that creates a jungle-like aquascape.
• Ideal for Background Planting: Due to its height and robust growth habit, this plant is perfect for use in the background or as a central feature in larger aquariums.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Bleher’s Sword is highly adaptable, thriving in a range of water conditions, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned aquarists.
• Moderate Growth Rate: The plant grows steadily, allowing aquarists to fill space and create an impressive display without the need for constant maintenance.

Care Requirements:

• Lighting: Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ grows well under medium lighting conditions. Bright light helps the plant grow vigorously and achieve its lush green coloration, but it can adapt to lower light levels, though with slower growth.
• CO2: CO2 supplementation is not strictly necessary but is highly beneficial, especially in setups with higher light levels. It can promote larger leaves, faster growth, and healthier overall development.
• Water Parameters: This plant is highly adaptable to a range of water parameters, with a preferred pH between 6.0-7.5 and temperatures of 22-28°C. A nutrient-rich substrate is crucial for this plant, as it has an extensive root system that requires sufficient nutrients for optimal growth.
• Trimming: Due to its moderate growth rate, trimming is minimal. Occasionally remove old or damaged leaves to encourage new, healthy growth and maintain the overall aesthetics of the plant.

Planting Tips:

• Plant Echinodorus ‘Bleherae’ in a nutrient-rich substrate to support its extensive root system, which will help the plant grow tall and lush.
• Provide enough space for the plant to spread, as its broad leaves can easily take up a significant area in the aquarium. It’s perfect for providing shelter and hiding places for fish and shrimp.
• Moderate water flow will help keep its broad leaves clean and free of debris, enhancing the overall look of the plant.