Echinodorus Ozelot

Ozelot is named for its markings. This cultivated sword carries dark red to chocolate flecks scattered across each leaf, heaviest on new growth where the background colour is also reddest, then fading as the leaf ages toward green. The spotting is a cultivar trait, not a wild pattern, so treat any claim about a natural origin for it with suspicion. What matters practically is that the pattern is strongest when the plant is actually growing.

Aquarium care

• Push root tabs into the substrate near the base. Swords take most of their food from the roots.
• Keep the crown above the substrate line with the roots buried beneath it.
• Substrate depth matters more than substrate brand here. The root system gets large.
• Emersed-grown leaves usually melt in the first weeks. Trim them and wait for submerged growth.
• Stronger light and steady nutrients keep the red tones and the spotting visible.

Works as a focal plant in a mid-sized or large planted tank, behind wood or off to one side, with angelfish, rainbowfish, larger tetras or a peaceful South American community around it.

Stock on this one changes often. Pickup at our Lethbridge store, and the full sword plant list is online.