Echinodorus schlueteri ‘Green Leopard’
Scientific Name: Echinodorus schlueteri
Common Name: Green Leopard Sword, Leopard Amazon Sword
Origin: Cultivated variety (originally from South and Central America)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Difficulty Level: Easy
Placement: Midground to background
Lighting Requirements: Medium to high
Sales Description
The Echinodorus schlueteri ‘Green Leopard’ is a stunning Amazon Sword variety prized for its broad, emerald-green leaves adorned with subtle darker speckles resembling leopard spots. This hardy and decorative species adds texture and depth to any freshwater aquascape, making it an excellent focal point in medium to large tanks. Its vibrant coloration intensifies under good lighting and nutrient-rich conditions, rewarding aquarists with bold, lush growth.
Perfect for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike, the Green Leopard Sword is easy to maintain and highly adaptable. It thrives both as a solitary centerpiece plant or grouped in the background to create a natural, forest-like appearance.
Care Guide
The Echinodorus schlueteri ‘Green Leopard’ grows best in nutrient-rich substrates such as aquasoil or fine gravel supplemented with root tabs. Regular fertilization at the roots is key, as it is a heavy root feeder. Liquid fertilizers can be used to support micronutrient levels, particularly if CO₂ is not being injected.
This plant prefers moderate to high lighting (PAR 40–70) for optimal coloration and compact growth. Under lower light, it will still grow well but may produce larger, lighter-colored leaves with less pronounced spotting. Ideal water parameters are a temperature range of 72–82°F (22–28°C), pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water.
When established, the Green Leopard Sword can grow quite large, with leaves reaching 10–14 inches in length depending on tank conditions. It occasionally produces emersed leaves and flower stalks that can generate adventitious plantlets. Trim older or outer leaves at the base to encourage healthy new growth.
Propagation
Propagation occurs naturally through side shoots or adventitious plantlets that develop along flower stalks. Once the plantlets form several leaves and roots, they can be carefully detached and replanted in the substrate.
Placement Tips
Use Echinodorus schlueteri ‘Green Leopard’ as a centerpiece in a 20-gallon or larger aquarium. Its tall, broad leaves make it an excellent background anchor in community tanks, while its vibrant patterning complements midground carpeting or stem plants. Avoid overcrowding to allow room for leaf spread.
