Stoffels Echinodorus grisebachii ‘Tropica

The Echinodorus grisebachii ‘Tropica’, commonly known as the Tropica Sword, is a compact variant of the classic Amazon Sword, offering vibrant green leaves and a slightly more manageable size. This makes it an excellent option for midground placement or as a focal point in smaller aquariums. The plant’s bright green, broad leaves create a lush appearance that enhances the natural feel of an aquascape, making it a popular choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

Key Features:

• Compact Growth Form: Echinodorus ‘Tropica’ has a more compact growth habit compared to other Amazon Sword varieties, which makes it ideal for midground placement or as a feature plant in medium-sized tanks.
• Vibrant Green Leaves: The broad, lance-shaped leaves of Tropica Sword are a vivid green, adding a splash of lush greenery that brings a natural charm to aquascapes.
• Hardy and Adaptable: This plant is highly adaptable and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a suitable choice for both low-tech and high-tech setups.
• Moderate Growth Rate: Echinodorus ‘Tropica’ grows steadily, creating a dense, bushy cluster that fills the space effectively without requiring frequent trimming.

Care Requirements:

• Lighting: Echinodorus ‘Tropica’ requires medium lighting to thrive. Providing medium to bright light helps bring out the best color and ensures healthy growth, but it can also adapt to lower light conditions.
• CO2: CO2 supplementation is not required, but it can significantly boost growth and encourage more vibrant, lush leaves. In setups with high light, CO2 will ensure the plant grows more robustly.
• Water Parameters: This plant is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. It prefers a pH between 6.5-7.5 and temperatures of 22-28°C. A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended to support its deep roots and healthy growth.
• Trimming: The plant’s moderate growth rate means it requires little trimming. Removing older or yellowing leaves as needed will help maintain its healthy and attractive appearance.

Planting Tips:

• Plant Echinodorus ‘Tropica’ in a nutrient-rich substrate that can support its extensive root system, allowing it to establish itself effectively.
• Due to its compact size, it is ideal for midground placement or as a foreground feature in larger tanks. Its broad leaves and bushy growth provide an excellent backdrop to shorter plants.
• Ensure enough space around the plant for its leaves to spread fully, and provide moderate water flow to prevent debris from settling on the leaves and to keep them clean and healthy.