Ozelot Sword (Echinodorus Ozelot): Ultimate Care Guide

Most aquarists can attest that Foliage is an essential part of the setup of any Aquarium. However, those new to the hobby may not fully realize the impact a single plant can have on the ecosystem of your tank and your tank as a whole. Many people outside of the hobby view flora as just a decoration; they don’t realize just how much a single plant can influence the whole balance of the tank. They also don’t realize that some aquarium plants require an abundance of care to help them grow and prosper in a tank setting. However, not every plant requires meticulous care. Some plants are extremely simple and straightforward to care for. Some plants don’t have special needs or requirements. We have the perfect option for you if you’re in the market for an easy-to-care-for aquarium plant with a name that sounds almost as cool as it looks. Check out the Ozelot sword.

Interestingly, the Ozelot Sword is a hybrid plant. It is a hybrid between the Echinodorus schlueteri plant and the Echinodorus barthii. The hybrid nature of the Ozelot Sword is why its flowing green leaves tend to have marbled spots. One of the most interesting aspects of the Ozelot Sword is that they change color as they age. The Ozelot Sword has long, flowing leaves that tend to be a reddish-brown hue with noticeable dark spots; however, that color doesn’t stick around. As the Ozelot Sword ages, the color of its leaves begins to turn into a bright green color while retaining their spots.

How to Care for Ozelot Sword

Caring for an Ozelot Sword is a simple task that aquarists of any skill level can undertake. An Ozelot Sword plant is amphibious, meaning it can be planted fully or partially submerged. Ozelot Sword is very hardy and can grow in a wide range of tank conditions. However, they tend to grow a bit slower if not kept in optimal conditions. Adding more is a breeze if you are a fan of the Ozelot Sword in your tank. They are very easy to propagate, meaning you can grow plants from your main one.

Ozelot Sword (Echinodorus Ozelot)
Ozelot Sword (Echinodorus Ozelot). Edited. Marrabbio2, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lighting Requirement for Ozelot Sword

Lighting is an extremely important parameter for nearly all flora that can be planted in a tank setting, and the Ozelot Sword is no exception to that. Most aquarists recommend moderate to high light levels for the Ozelot Sword. This can likely be achieved by using full spectrum light bulbs at around 3 watts per gallon. While moderate to high light levels are recommended, the Ozelot Sword can also grow in lower light conditions. When grown in lower light, the Ozelot Sword will be slightly more muted, but when grown in moderate to high light levels, the coloring of the Ozelot Sword will begin to pop and be more vibrant. Keep in mind that light levels that are too high can scorch and damage your plant.

Temperature for Ozelot Sword

Temperature is a parameter that can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to the care of a plant. Even the most experienced Aquarists may even forget to keep their plants within the recommended temperature range. Ozelot Sword plants have a wide temperate range, meaning staying within the range should be simple. On average, your Ozelot Sword should be kept in temperatures between 73 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit or 23 to 28 degrees Celsius. If necessary, a heater can help you achieve and maintain your temperature in that range. It is also imperative that you ensure that every other plant and fish you have in your tank with an Ozelot Sword prefers a similar temperature range.

Water pH for Ozelot Sword

As most aquarists already know, pH is extremely important in a tank. Most aquarists also know that sometimes it can be a difficult task to achieve and maintain a specific pH level. An Ozelot Sword plant is a great choice because it doesn’t require a very strict pH level. You can keep an Ozelot Sword plant in water that has a pH level between 6.0 to 8.0. Despite the large range, you should still routinely check the water parameters to ensure that the pH level does not fluctuate too much. Fluctuations in pH can be detrimental to not only the Ozelot Sword but also the other species in your tank.

Growth Rate of Ozelot Sword

The Ozelot Sword aquarium plant can actually grow quite quickly. Known for its long and waving green leaves, the Ozelot Sword can sometimes sprout a new leaf each week. This growth rate is impressive, and it can easily become an interesting and unique focal point in your tank. However, this growth rate will be slower in your keep your Ozelot Sword plant in lower light levels.

Growth Height of Ozelot Sword

When fully grown, an Ozelot Sword can reach heights of up 15 inches or around 38 centimeters. However, on average, an Ozelot Sword plant will reach around 12 and 14 inches or 30 to 35 centimeters. This tall height could mean that your tour Ozelot Sword will outgrow your tank, so be sure to plan accordingly.   

CO2 Requirement for Ozelot Sword

CO2 Injections are not required for the growth of Ozelot Sword in an aquarium. However, an injection of CO2 into your tank can positively affect the growth of your Ozelot Sword. It is a great option to help with the growth rate of your plant.

How to Propagate Ozelot Sword

Propagating your Ozelot Sword is a great way to add additional plants to your tank, and it can be very simple. All you need to do is divide the rhizome of your Ozelot Sword, which means you have to cut off the side shoots that grow off the leaves. Be sure to use a sterilized scissor or knife when cutting.

Where can I find Ozelot Sword for Sale?

As with most everything else, you can easily find the Ozelot Sword for sale online. However, you should check local aquarium hobby stores to see if they sell any before purchasing online. If you decide to buy online, make sure that you select a trusted supplier. On average, the Ozelot Sword sells for around $6.

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