Echinodorus sp ‘Ozelot’

Echinodorus sp ‘Ozelot’ is a cross between Echinodorus schluteri ‘Leopard’ and Echinodorus ‘Barthii’. The rosette is 20-40 cm wide and 20-50 cm tall. The elliptical black spots on the red-brown leaves have naturally earned this plant the name ‘Ozelot.’ Unlike many other spotted Echinodorus, ‘Ozelot’ retains its spots even in low light intensity. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for beginners. The Ozelot Sword (Echinodorus ‘ozelot’) is a lovely broad leaf sword with red spots on long green leaves. Hardiness is moderate. It requires a nutrient-rich substrate and is copper sensitive. This species is amphibious, meaning it can grow submerged or partially submerged. The Ozelot Sword is an excellent plant for beginners because it requires little attention after planting.

The Ozelot Sword requires moderate to high lighting, with full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs providing approximately 3 watts per gallon. The water should be between 73 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, with an alkalinity of 3-8 dKH and a pH of neutral. The Ozelot Sword spreads via rhizomes, or adventitious shoots that sprout from the leaves. A prolific plant in most cases, a new leaf every week is not uncommon. Ozelot Swords are a bright and bold plant that works well as a mid- or background accent. These plants have short stems and large ovoid leaves with hardy veins and lovely dark spotting. They come in two colours: green and red, with wavy leaves and brightly coloured spots on the red. Red Ozelot sword plants can be found in a variety of colours, including red, pink, and gold, as well as green or dark green. Ozelot sword plants can grow above or below water, with emersed plants occasionally producing small white flowers above the surface. These plants are a cross between E. schlueteri ‘Leopard’ and E. barthii. Ozelot sword plants are not picky about water parameters, but they do require good, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. These plants do not require CO2 injection. Ozelet swords require moderate light to sprout new leaves on a weekly basis, but the plant can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

Ozelot swords spread via side shoots that sprout from the leaves. These can be removed and replanted if desired, or removed and discarded to help control plant spread. Echinodorus is a tough aquatic plant species. Because they are heavy root feeders, most Echinodorus require nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Echinodorus grows quite large and is better suited to larger planted aquariums.

How do you cultivate Echinodorus Ozelot?
Because the root system of Ozelot Sword can be extensive, plant it in 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of aquarium gravel or other substrate. You can always put more substrate in the back of the aquarium and then slope it forward. The substrate should not be too large or too small for healthy growth.

How should echinodorus be cared for?
Plant Echinodorus in a nutrient-rich substrate such as sand or aquatic plant substrate. Gravel is also an option. It should be deep enough for the plant’s hardy roots to travel to obtain nutrients. These plants will thrive if a root tab is planted beneath them.