Care Guide

Dwarf Amazon sword plant

E Grisebachii Bleherae Compacta

Advanced difficulty

Care at a Glance

Lighting

Moderate

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Form

Rosette

Placement

Fore - Mid ground

True Aquatic

Yes

Available As

Bare root

About This Plant

E. grisebachii 'Bleherae' Compacta has all the attributes of a regular Amazon sword, plus the added benefit of being smaller in size. The dwarf Amazon sword plant was created at Florida Aquatic Nurseries by constantly selecting smaller, vigorous plants until we found the ideal candidate. E. grisebachii 'Bleherae' Compacta can be used in the foreground areas of a large aquarium or midground areas of the aquarium. E. grisebachii 'Bleherae' Compacta looks exactly like an Amazon sword and thrives in all the same conditions. High leaf counts and a size of 6 inches fully mature makes E. grisebachii 'Bleherae' Compacta a great choice for smaller aquariums. Dwarf Amazon Sword Plants are a great choice for beginners.

Quick-Reference Details

Common name: Dwarf Amazon sword plant
Scientific name: E Grisebachii Bleherae Compacta
Family: Alismataceae
Native to: Cultivar
Difficulty: Advanced
Requirements: Undemanding.
Lighting: Moderate
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth form: Rosette
Placement: Fore - Mid ground
True aquatic: Yes
Available as: Bare root

Difficulty — Advanced

Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

CO2 & Fertilization

CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.

Tank Size & Setup

Plan for at least 20 gallons. Rosette plants spread a foot or wider once established and need vertical room.

Aquascaping & Placement

Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Plant the root crown just at the substrate surface. Burying the crown causes the plant to push itself back up over a few days.

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.

Common Care Issues

Slow initial growth

Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does Dwarf Amazon sword plant need?

Dwarf Amazon sword plant (E Grisebachii Bleherae Compacta) prefers moderate lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.

Does Dwarf Amazon sword plant need CO2?

CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.

Is Dwarf Amazon sword plant good for beginners?

Dwarf Amazon sword plant is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

How fast does Dwarf Amazon sword plant grow?

Growth rate is moderate. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.

What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Dwarf Amazon sword plant?

Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.