The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus) is a popular and resilient aquatic plant that brings lush, vibrant greenery to freshwater aquariums. Originating from the Amazon River basin, this species is valued for its large leaves and ease of care. Propagating the Amazon Sword is a straightforward process for hobbyists looking to multiply their collection. This guide provides practical steps for creating new plantlets from a mature specimen.
Optimizing the Parent Plant for Reproduction
A healthy, well-nourished parent plant is the foundation for successful propagation, ensuring the production of vigorous offspring. Since Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders, they require a rich substrate or regular root supplementation to thrive. Inserting compacted aquatic fertilizer root tabs near the base of the plant every four to six weeks provides the necessary iron and micronutrients.
The plant’s energy reserves must be high enough to initiate the reproductive phase, which is often triggered by strong lighting conditions. Providing moderate to high light intensity (6000K to 7000K range) for 10 to 12 hours a day encourages this growth. Iron deficiency, often indicated by yellowing leaves, must be corrected before the plant directs energy toward producing new growth. Optimal environmental conditions prepare the parent plant for asexual reproduction.
Primary Propagation Method: Using Runners
The most common method for propagating the Amazon Sword is through adventitious runners, which are horizontal stems extending from the crown of the parent plant. These runners are specialized stolons that develop genetically identical plantlets, or pups, at various nodes. This natural process allows the plant to colonize the surrounding substrate.
To ensure the new plantlets are robust enough to survive separation, leave them attached to the runner until they establish their own small root system and develop three to four true leaves. The parent plant continues to supply nutrients during this development period, improving the plantlet’s chances of survival. Once sufficiently developed, use sharp, clean scissors to sever the runner midway between the mother plant and the pup.
The newly separated plantlet can then be gently planted into the substrate, burying the roots while keeping the crown exposed. The crown is the point where the leaves meet the roots, and burying it can lead to rot and plant death. Trimming excessively long roots before replanting encourages the development of new, stronger feeder roots.
Alternative Propagation Techniques
While runners are the primary method, other techniques exist, particularly when dealing with mature specimens. One method is crown division, reserved for very large plants that have developed multiple growing points. This involves physically splitting the main rhizome into sections. Each section needs a healthy portion of the root system and at least a few leaves to survive.
Another technique involves harvesting plantlets that develop on a flower stalk, which the plant sends up when grown in emersed or semi-emersed conditions. These flower stalks, instead of producing seeds, can develop small plantlets at the nodes. Separate these plantlets once small roots are visible and plant them in the substrate, similar to the runner-produced pups. This method is less common for fully submerged aquarium plants.
Ensuring the Success of New Plantlets
The transition to an independent plantlet is a delicate time that requires focused care. Immediately after planting the new pup, place a fresh root tab directly near its small root system. This immediate, concentrated source of nutrients encourages rapid root growth, which is necessary for long-term survival.
New plantlets may experience “melting,” where older leaves turn yellow or translucent and begin to decay shortly after being planted. This is a normal adjustment as the plant sheds leaves grown under the parent’s influence and begins to grow new foliage adapted to its location. Removing decaying leaves at the base prevents fouling the water and allows the plant to focus energy on healthy growth. Patience is important during this establishment phase.