plant
Cryptocoryne vs Amazon sword
Two root-feeding rosette plants for a low-tech tank. Which fits?
Short answer
The cryptocoryne is smaller, slower and more tolerant of low light; the sword is a large background plant that will fill a 60 cm tank on its own and needs more nutrition to do it.
Side by side
| Dimension | Cryptocoryne | Amazon sword | Favours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 10–25 cm | 30–50 cm | — |
| Light requirement | Low | Medium | Cryptocoryne |
| Nutrient demand | Moderate | High | Cryptocoryne |
| Root tabs needed in inert substrate | Helpful | Essential | Cryptocoryne |
| Melts on conversion | Yes, characteristically | Occasionally | Amazon sword |
| Growth rate | Slow | Moderate | Amazon sword |
| Suits a 60 cm tank | Yes, as a midground group | As a single specimen at most | Cryptocoryne |
Which to choose
Cryptocoryne
Choose cryptocorynes for a low-light midground, and expect a melt-and-regrow period after planting.
Amazon sword
Choose an Amazon sword as a single background specimen in a tank 60 cm or longer, with root tabs.
One caveat
Both dislike being moved. Decide where they go before planting them.