Ozelot Sword Plant Care – Growing An Ozelot Sword In A Fish Tank

What is an Ozelot Sword? Ozelot Sword aquarium plants (Echinodorus ‘Ozelot’) display long, wavy-edged green or red leaves marked with bright marbling. Ozelot Sword plants are prolific growers that spread by rhizomes and side shoots, often producing a new leaf every week.

In a fish tank, it is an undemanding plant that requires almost no care once established. Read on to learn more about this aquarium plant.

Growing Ozelot Sword in a Fish Tank

Ozelot Sword is an ideal plant for beginners and grows well even in sub-optimum conditions (although not quite as fast). The plant is amphibious, meaning it can be either fully or partially submersed. Very little care is required, but the following tips may help with Ozelot Sword plant care:

• Plant Ozelot Sword in 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of aquarium gravel or other substrate, as the root system can be extensive. You can always use more substrate in the back of the aquarium, then slope it toward the front. For healthy growth, the substrate shouldn’t be too large or too small.
• Ozelot Sword aquarium plants thrive in moderate to high lighting, although it is adaptable to lower light levels. Water temperature should be between 73 and 83 degrees F. (23-28 C.).
• The plant may develop yellow leaves after planting. Just trim the leaves from the bottom of the plant but be careful not to disturb the roots. Leaves that become covered with algae should also be removed. If yellow leaves are a continuing problem, aquarium conditions may be poor, or it may mean the plant needs more nutrients. Look for an aquarium plant fertilizer containing iron.
• Once the plant is established and growing well, you can propagate new Ozelot Sword aquarium plants from the rhizomes or from the side shoots that develop on leaves.