Amazon Swords

[AquaticJim]

I have two Amazon Swords in my 120 gal tank and they are getting big quickly.
If i wanted to eventually give them a trim, would be alright to cut the outer leaves off with sharp scissors?

Also will there root systems eventually cause problems as they are next to my 'crypt forrest' will there root systems end up so massive as to out compete all their neighbours?

They are the most beautiful examples of swords that I have ever had the pleasure of growing, but I am questioning now there inclusion into my dutch/forrest tank.

Any suggestions?

 

[Biollante]

Let 'em Battle It Out...


Hi Jim,

Echinodorus amazonicus is a big plant, very aggressive root system, it is a root feeder, sucks up iron.



Trimming with sharp scissors is good, any older growth, cruddy leaves, any roots that are not white.


Trimming is a good time to look at (root) dividing the plant(s). When dividing make sure to remove any roots that are not white and trim the tips of the rest of the roots.



The aggressive root system is one of the reasons I like to pot these things.


Crypts are also aggressive plants, I do not see any problems, aside from an overgrown tank.


Biollante

 

[Tom Barr]

You can mow it, basically the same can be done to Crypts as well, but many do not.
The root/rhizome will send up new plants.

This is why they have those big root systems, so if they get eaten by a pacu, they will grow back when the water recedes etc.

 

[JJP2]

Biollante,

When you pot them, do you hide the pot in the substrate or let the top show? If you hide it, how deep is your substrate and what type of pot are you using?

thanks,

John

 

[Biollante]

Deep


Hi Jim,

I do not tend to worry about the pots showing. Usually the terracotta pots I use just kind of blend in. Also I like to re-pot as they grow.


Many folks use decorative pots or hide them in the scape.


For full size larger plants you would need six or eight inches of substrate to fully hide them.


Biollante