Ozelot Green Sword (Echinodorus sp. Ozelot)

Ozelot Green Sword (Echinodorus “Ozelot Green”)

Ozelot Green Sword is one of those plants that looks “special” even in a heavily planted tank. Its broad, oval leaves carry distinctive dark speckling—an almost leopard-like pattern—over rich green foliage, so it looks as a natural focal point without needing bright red coloration or high-tech conditions. If you want a sword plant with personality and presence, this one delivers.

Ozelot Green Sword Overview

Ozelot Green is a classic rosette-form sword that grows from the root crown and gradually builds a full, lush plant. In most aquariums it works best as a midground-to-background feature, where its patterned leaves can be appreciated and it has room to develop into a fuller specimen.

Aquarists appreciate Ozelot Green Sword for:

• Bold leaf patterning: dark speckling that stands out against standard green plants
• True focal-point shape: broad leaves that add contrast to fine stems and grassy carpets
• Beginner-friendly toughness: tolerant of typical community-tank conditions
• Fish-friendly cover: a “big-leaf” plant that creates shelter and calm zones for tank inhabitants

The overall effect is a plant that instantly adds structure and visual weight—perfect when your aquascape needs a centerpiece that still feels natural.

For aquascaping, Ozelot Green looks especially sharp when framed by rock and wood. Position it near Seiryu Rock or Japanese Ohko Dragon Rock so the patterned leaves break up the stone’s texture, or use it behind a small line of Lava Rock to create a lush “riverbank” transition. Add a darker driftwood accent—like Blackwood or Spider Wood—to give the plant a strong backdrop, and sprinkle a few botanicals such as Aquatic Catappa Leaves or Aquatic Mango Leaves around the base for a realistic, established leaf-litter look that makes the entire scene feel more habitat-true.

Beyond looks, fish tend to use Ozelot Green Sword in ways that make the whole tank feel more natural. The broad, sturdy leaves create instant cover and calm “breaks” in line of sight, which helps shy fish feel more secure and gives smaller tankmates places to retreat. The leaf undersides and plant base also become natural grazing zones for shrimp and other microfauna hunters, where biofilm and tiny food particles collect.

And in many aquariums, many fish—especially Angelfish and Discus—have been known to use sword leaves as a convenient spawning surface, laying eggs on the wide leaf blades the same way they would on a flat rock or piece of wood in the wild.

Caring for Ozelot Green Sword

Like most sword plants, Ozelot Green is an easy grower—but it’s also a classic root feeder, meaning it performs best when the root zone is well-fed. A nutrient-rich planted substrate is ideal, and in sand or gravel you’ll get noticeably better growth by using root tabs placed near (not directly on top of) the crown. Consistent fertilization supports stronger leaves and better coloration, and many aquarists find that swords respond particularly well when they’re getting enough iron and micronutrients.

Planting tip: set the plant so the crown sits just above the substrate line—don’t bury it deep. Once it settles, it will send roots down and start pushing new leaves from the center. Maintenance is simple: if older outer leaves become damaged or shaded, remove them cleanly at the base rather than cutting leaves in half. In good conditions, swords may also send out a runner/flower stalk that can produce baby plants you can separate and replant.

• Light: Moderate
• Temperature Range: 70–82°F
• Placement: Midground–Background
• CO₂: Not required (beneficial for faster, fuller growth)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Once established, Ozelot Green is the kind of plant that rewards steady basics more than constant tinkering. Give it space, feed the roots consistently, and it will gradually build into a fuller, more dramatic specimen. The broad leaves also create natural “resting” and spawning surfaces—many aquarists love swords in angelfish and discus-style aquariums because those sturdy leaves can double as natural egg-laying sites while also creating calmer, more sheltered territory lines for fish.   

This plant is also available potted and we offer many other varieties of sword plants, including Red Rubin Sword, Radican Marble Queen, Amazon Sword, and many more.

Shopping for Aquarium Plants at Modern Aquarium

When you’re buying live plants, the difference is rarely the species name—it’s the quality of the specimen, how it’s handled, and how it’s packed and shipped. At Modern Aquarium, we focus on delivering plants that arrive clean, healthy, and ready to thrive—backed by responsive support if you need a hand.

• Hand-inspected & prepared plants: Every plant is inspected and prepped before shipping so you receive healthy specimens, not a “grab-bag” pull.
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• Top Quality Store + real reviews: Modern Aquarium has been trusted by and has thousands of verified Google customer reviews.
• Trusted Sourcing: Our plants are sourced from the best nursery in Florida and are handled with care from the grower to your aquarium.
• What You See Is What You Get: Every image on our site is a typical representation of the plants we sell—no unrealistic stock photos. Because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and coloration.
• Real support when you need it: Reach us via site chat or phone, we are happy to help.

Ozelot Green Sword is a standout “big-leaf” focal plant that stays approachable for beginners—just give it a good root zone (rich substrate or root tabs), steady nutrients, and a midground/back spot where it can grow into its full patterned glory. Pair it with a few statement rocks, a darker driftwood accent, and a light scatter of botanicals around the base, and you’ll get a planted aquarium that looks balanced, natural, and intentionally designed.