🌿 Echinodorus Ozelot - Exotic Freshwater Aquarium Plant
Enhance your aquarium with the vibrant and distinctive Echinodorus Ozelot. Known for its eye-catching red and green spotted leaves, this plant adds depth and contrast to any aquascape. Hardy and easy to maintain, it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Echinodorus Ozelot Quick Facts
Feature | Details |
---|---|
🌍 Origin | South America |
📏 Size | 10 - 20 inches |
💡 Lighting | Moderate to high |
🌡️ Temperature | 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C) |
💧 pH Range | 6.5 - 7.5 |
🎨 Color | Red and green leaves with dark spots |
🪴 Position in Tank | Midground to Background |
🌟 Difficulty | Beginner-friendly (easy to moderate) |
🐟 Compatibility | Betta fish, Neocaridina/Caridina shrimp, snails, community fish |
Why Choose Echinodorus Ozelot?
- ✔️ Unique spotted leaves – Bold red and green patterns create a dramatic effect.
- ✔️ Great for oxygenation – Improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
- ✔️ Provides natural shelter – Ideal for fish and shrimp seeking hiding spots.
- ✔️ Hardy and adaptable – Thrives in a variety of freshwater conditions.
How to Care for Echinodorus Ozelot
Care Tips
- Lighting: Moderate to high lighting enhances the red coloration and dark spots.
- Placement: Works best as a midground or background plant due to its large leaves.
- Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs help encourage strong growth.
- Fertilizer: Regular root fertilization and occasional liquid fertilizer promote healthy leaves.
- Maintenance: Trim older or damaged leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation Steps
- Wait for Runners: Mature plants will produce side shoots or runners.
- Separate the Baby Plants: Once plantlets have established roots, carefully remove them from the parent plant.
- Replant: Place the new plantlets into the substrate and allow them to grow.