Cultivated hybrid (no wild range); bred in Germany
Overview
Ozelot sword is an undemanding sword that works as a centerpiece in the midground of a medium to large tank.
Did you know
Ozelot sword is named for the ocelot wildcat. The breeder picked the name for the leopard-like dark blotches scattered across each leaf.
Caring for Ozelot sword
Plant Ozelot sword in a rich substrate, or feed it root tabs, since it takes its food through a large root system. Leave the crown sitting at the surface of the substrate.
It tolerates low light, and brighter light with added CO2 makes it grow faster. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
It is a fast grower and throws daughter plants on long flower stalks. Let them root a little, then cut them free and plant them. An older crown can also be divided.
Good to know
Ozelot sword is a cultivar in the family Alismataceae, raised as a cross between Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus 'Barthii'. Both green-leaved and more reddish forms are sold under the Ozelot name. Tropica says its dark elliptical spots hold even in low light, and the youngest leaves carry the darkest spots.
In the wild
Ozelot sword is a nursery-bred hybrid and has no wild population. Its parents trace back to South American sword plants that root in soft substrate in slow streams, ditches and swamps. These grow submersed in the wet season and emersed as the water drops.
Common questions
Does Ozelot sword need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.
Does Ozelot sword need CO2?
No, but it helps. Ozelot sword can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Ozelot sword need?
Ozelot sword wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Ozelot sword need root tabs?
Yes. Ozelot sword draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.
How do you propagate Ozelot sword?
Ozelot sword propagates by plantlets and rhizome division. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.
How tall does Ozelot sword grow?
Ozelot sword grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)