Amazon sword experiences?

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99RedSi

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Dec 2, 2002
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I like the plant and it was one of my faves when I was still in the hobby about 2 years ago however it was a pain! It would have a wilted, dead leaf about once a week or two. The leaf would crumple up and get all nasty, I couldn't stand it! Also, I tried pruning it at the base, like you're supposed to, but it made it look really ugly. Is this the correct way to take care of the plant? And good luck replanting it if that's needed every now and then! The roots are so extensive!

What's the proper way to keep, prune and move (if necessary - is it, though?) Amazon Swords?

Thanks!
 
Sounds like your pruning technique is ok, why would you lose a leaf once a week is the question. I've grown various swords and While I lost a leaf once in a while once a week sounds like some sort of nutrient deficiency. Mine would lose leaves when they outgrew their tanks got too close to the lights-heat. You can prune the roots of swords when they start to take over here is a link to some helpful info on pruning swards. HERE
 
From what I have heard swords are a hi nutrient plant. It helps if you get the plant, iron tabs and place them underneath the roots in the gravel and replace every... 63 months, I quess.
 
Every 63 months may be just a tad too often:D

However it is true that you need to feed the larger swords.

In addition to a substratebased fertilizer such as irontabs , some jobes spikes and plenty of CO2.

To grow the plant well it is good to have at least 2.5-3wpg of good quality light and this is where the copious feedings come in.
CO2 injection is almost a must, PMDD in the water and irontabs in the substrate - I also put some calciumpills in the substrate from time to time.
 
Seems like ALOT of work just to keep that type of plant. I never knew of any other plants like it - are there any?

Is it cool to just let it's root system grow like an extensive spider web? Couldn't it impair other plant's root systems?

Thanks everyone
 
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