Large-flowered amazon (Echinodorus grandiflorus) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Large-flowered Amazon sword, Aquarius grandiflorus, Echinodorus argentinensis, Alisma grandiflorum, Echinodorus floridanus
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela and Florida
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
150 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Care level
expert
Lighting
Good light; iron and CO2 recommended

Care

The large-flowered Amazon sword grows in sticky mud along rivers in South America and Florida. Wikipedia now follows a 2018 revision that moves most swords out of Echinodorus into the genus Aquarius, so you will also see it as Aquarius grandiflorus. Emersed leaf blades are 15–26 cm by 7–15 cm on stalks 80–120 cm long, and flower stems reach 90–150 cm. It is a strong grower, too large for most aquariums, and its leaves often grow out of the water; it suits very large tanks, open-topped set-ups or warm ponds. Give it a deep, rich substrate and good light, with iron and CO2. It tolerates subtropical to tropical temperatures and seems to prefer soft water. It is rarely in the trade, and most plants sold under this name are probably E. palaefolius. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusgrandiflorus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Submerged plants send up flower stems that form plantlets instead of flowers; let these root, then cut them free and plant them. Large plants can also be divided at the rhizome. Emersed plants kept humid may flower and set seed, which can be sown on damp sand in warmth.

Compatibility and tank mates

Sword leaves are fairly tough, but large cichlids, goldfish and other diggers may uproot young plants or chew soft new leaves; root them well. Good with tetras, angelfish, discus and other tropical community fish. Snails may graze old leaves.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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