Amazon swords are hardy rooted plants that can grow very large. They feed heavily through their roots, so inert gravel or sand should be supplemented with root tabs. Bury the roots but leave the crown—the point where leaves emerge—above the substrate. Low to medium light is usually enough, and newly purchased emersed-grown leaves may melt while submerged leaves replace them.
The most common mistake is buying a small sword for a small gap and forgetting how large a healthy mature specimen can become.
Give the roots room
Use a reasonable substrate depth and avoid constantly uprooting the plant. Amazon swords develop substantial root systems once established.
Feed the substrate
Aquarium Co-Op describes swords as strong root feeders. In inert substrate, place root tabs around the root zone and renew them according to the product schedule.
Do not bury the crown
The roots belong under the substrate, but the crown should remain exposed. A buried crown can rot or stunt the plant.
Expect transition melt
Many commercial swords are grown emersed. Older leaves may decline after planting underwater while new submerged-form leaves emerge.
Judge success by healthy new growth rather than the fate of every original leaf.
Trim old leaves at the base
Remove yellow or badly damaged leaves close to the crown instead of cutting broad leaf blades in half.
Related aquarium tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
Do Amazon swords need root tabs?
They strongly benefit from root nutrition, especially in inert sand or gravel.
Do Amazon swords need CO2?
No. They can grow without injected CO2.
Why is my new Amazon sword melting?
It may be transitioning from emersed-grown foliage to submerged growth, though nutrient problems should also be considered.
Sources and further reading
This guide separates general aquarium arithmetic from fish-welfare decisions. For species-specific limits, always check the needs of the fish you intend to keep.