Melon Sword

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Lighting: Medium to High   • Maximum Size: 20"
• Placement: Midground   • Water Conditions: 75-84° F, pH 5.0-7.5, KH 3-8
• Propagation: Adventitious Plants, Side Shoots from the Rhizome   • Color Forms: Green, Red
Supplements: Iron, High Quality Substrate Fertilizer, CO2 Supplementation
• Origin: Brazil   • Family: Alismataceae

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Echinodorus osiris, also known as the Melon Sword, is native to Brazil and can tolerate acidic to neutral water. Under optimal conditions, this species grows quickly and while new leaves have a deep red coloration, mature leaves tend to turn a vivid green. The Melon Sword will grow to reach 20+ inches tall and is often used as a large, beautiful centerpiece in many aquariums.

The Melon Sword requires a nutrient-rich substrate and iron-rich fertilizer, as well as moderate to high lighting of 2 to 4 watts per gallon from full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Iron deficiency can easily be detected as the leaves of the Melon Sword will turn pale and translucent. As with other Echinodorus species, the Melon Sword is usually left alone by herbivorous and large fish.

The Melon Sword propagates from adventitious plants or via side-shoots from the rhizome. Once the new plant establishes a root system, it can be cut at the root with very sharp, sterilized scissors and replanted elsewhere in the substrate or floated for a short period of time.