Tank Size:
For a comfortable specimen display, consider approximately 60 L / 16 US gallons or larger, with additional space as the plant develops. This is a layout recommendation rather than a strict minimum.
Plant Placement:
Primarily a midground focal plant. In smaller or shallower aquariums, it may work better toward the background.
Leave the central growing point accessible and provide enough room for the leaves to spread without covering surrounding plants.
For different arrangements, consider:
- A low foreground: Cryptocoryne lucens, Staurogyne repens, or Marsilea hirsuta in front of the sword.
- A textured hardscape group: Anubias Pangolino on Lava Rock, small Bucephalandra, and a restrained patch of Christmas Moss nearby.
- A warm colour accent: Cryptocoryne wendtii Brown beside it, with Ludwigia Super Red farther behind.
- A tall green background: Cryptocoryne spiralis, Vallisneria nana, or Bacopa caroliniana behind the specimen.
- A more open composition: pale sand, branching driftwood, and a small group of Anubias Nana Black on Lava Rock to one side.
Compatibility:
Suitable for peaceful planted communities and shrimp displays when the aquarium meets the livestock’s requirements.
Possible companions include green neon tetras, rummynose tetras, black neon tetras, lambchop rasboras, dwarf pencilfish, honey gouramis, Corydoras, kuhli loaches, Otocinclus, and Amano shrimp.
Neocaridina shrimp and freshwater snails can also be considered where mineral levels and other conditions suit them. Large digging fish or persistent plant grazers may disturb the roots or damage foliage.
Substrate:
A nutrient-rich substrate is beneficial. Sand or gravel can also support the plant when supplemented with appropriate aquarium root fertilizer.
Use balanced liquid fertilizer when needed, and follow product instructions. Assess developing leaves before increasing fertilizer additions.
Light:
Low to medium, with approximately 30–50 PAR at plant level as a practical starting target. Adjust according to new growth, shading, and algae development.
Temperature:
Suggested range: 24–28°C / 75–82°F
pH:
Suggested range: 6.0–7.5
GH:
Suggested soft-water starting range: 2–6 dGH. This is a growing guide rather than a confirmed tolerance limit.
CO₂:
Not required. Optional supplementation can support growth, but the plant remains naturally slow-growing.
Care & Propagation:
Remove deteriorating outer leaves close to their base without damaging the crown. Keep neighbouring plants from covering new growth.
When an established specimen produces daughter plants or rooted offsets, allow them to develop several healthy leaves and their own roots before separating. Replant each division with its growing point exposed.
