Red Ozelot Sword, Echinodorus ‘Red Ozelot’, is a cultivated aquarium sword plant derived from South American Echinodorus species native to the Amazon Basin and surrounding freshwater systems. This ornamental cultivar was developed for aquarium use and is especially valued for its bold spotted patterning and reddish coloration. In the aquarium, Red Ozelot Sword forms a broad rosette of oval to lance-shaped leaves emerging from a central crown. The leaves display a reddish-brown to olive base color covered in darker maroon spotting, creating the “ocelot” pattern that gives the plant its name. Under strong lighting and good nutrient availability, newer leaves often develop intense red, bronze, or burgundy coloration. Mature plants commonly reach 12 to 20 inches in height and can become quite broad, making them best suited for midground to background placement. Red Ozelot Sword is best suited to medium and large aquariums due to its eventual size. It should be planted directly into nutrient-rich substrate with the crown positioned above the substrate line to prevent rot. Moderate to high lighting supports stronger coloration and more compact growth, though the plant remains relatively adaptable compared to many red aquarium plants. Gentle to moderate water movement is ideal. Water conditions are flexible as long as they remain stable. Temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit are appropriate, with a pH range of roughly 6.0 to 7.8 and soft to moderately hard water. CO₂ supplementation is not required but can improve growth rate and leaf size. As a heavy root feeder, Red Ozelot Sword benefits greatly from nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tab supplementation. Additional water column fertilization helps maintain healthy foliage and vibrant coloration. Once established, the plant grows steadily and may occasionally produce flower stalks with adventitious plantlets that can be separated and replanted. This species is highly compatible with community fish and invertebrates. Its broad leaves provide shelter and visual structure within the aquarium, though large herbivorous fish may damage foliage. Because of its size and coloration, it is commonly used as a centerpiece or anchor plant in planted aquascapes. Echinodorus ‘Red Ozelot’ is a bold and visually striking sword plant prized for its marbled spotting and rich reddish coloration. Its durability, manageable care requirements, and dramatic appearance make it one of the most popular large centerpiece plants for freshwater planted aquariums.
