When developing a design for his aquarium, the owner often thinks about planting a plant that will focus all the attention on itself, and, in fact, will be the center of the exposition. Today there are quite a few large plants, but not all of them have such a powerful decorative effect that they are suitable for the role of the main bush. However, there are such representatives of the underwater flora. For example, this is Echinodorus Ozelot.

Appearance and habitat

This plant does not have a natural form, as it is a hybrid bred artificially in aquarium conditions. But that doesn’t make this plant any less beautiful. It has amazing versatility and unpretentiousness. There is no need to create special conditions for its successful cultivation. Enough of those nutrients that are formed in the aquarium naturally.

From the point of view of design, Echinodorus Ozelot in an aquarium can be used in various ways. It can be a completely empty container, and then a large bush will look particularly impressive, focusing all the attention on itself. It can also be planted to another flora and made a full-fledged part of the design. But here you need to take into account that this plant grows quite large and can shade other bushes or “crush” them with its powerful root system.

This variety of flora is presented in three variations, differing exclusively in coloring. Echinodorus Ozelot green is especially popular. It has a variety of greenish shades and characteristic spots.

Also among special fans, Echinodorus Ozelot red is in demand, because it looks more unusual and contrasts interestingly against the background of other plants.

In general, these species have common features, namely large oval leaves on cuttings, which under good conditions can grow up to 19 inches (~ 50 cm) or even higher, and in diameter one bush can also reach about half a meter. Therefore, it is better to plant it in large aquariums of about 44 gallons (~ 200 liters).

The leaves of this plant have a green, olive or reddish hue with distinctive specks of brownish color, thanks to which it was so named. If the lighting is good, the cuttings will be short, but with insufficient light, the bushes will begin to stretch upwards, and then the leaves will be located near the surface, and will cover half of the aquarium. The root system is well-developed, so it is better to plant the ocelot deep.

General Care

As already mentioned, Echinodorus Ozelot is extremely unpretentious, and it is often recommended to novice aquarists, since it is extremely difficult to “kill” it, even if the conditions are completely unsuitable. However, for optimal growth, you need:

Aquarium Size

Given the large size of the Ozelot, it needs to allocate enough space. It is desirable that the container has a height of at least 19 inches (~ 50 cm). If there is less, then the bush will first occupy the entire aquarium, and then throw out the above-water leaves;

Substrate

Suitable large river sand and, small pebbles, granite chips, quartz, etc. But it is not the fraction that is more important, but the soil layer. It is necessary that it be at least 3 inches (~ 8 cm);

Water Temperature and pH

Echinodorus Ozelot prefers warm water up to 86 degrees F, but the optimal temperature is about 68-82,4 °F (20-26 °C). The water hardness does not matter much and can range from 5 to 15°, the acidity (pH) is neutral;

Lighting

The plant easily tolerates shading and at the same time does not lose its pattern. However, it is better to give it bright light, with an intensity of about 0.5 W / l;

Fertilizers

It is not necessary to use fertilizers, but to improve growth, you can use special balls or liquid top dressing;

Compatibility

It is advisable to allocate more space to the plant so that it does not shade other bushes. Therefore, most often it is placed in the center and nothing is planted around it except Anubias.

Tips for growing

The plant reproduces vegetatively. The mother bush releases an arrow, on which the plantlets are formed. When she grows up, she needs to be carefully separated and planted. For some period of time, the young socket will take root, after which it will begin to grow actively.

As for planting, there is nothing special here. Echinodorus Ozelot is planted at the back of the aquarium or in its center. At the same time, it is important to plant the bush deeply, but not to fill up the growth point. Then it will be able to take root well and will not interfere with other flora.

Echinodorus Ozelot is an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. It is ideal if the aquarium was launched recently, and it needs to be filled with vegetation quickly. In addition, it is perfectly combined with a variety of underwater inhabitants and even with Goldfish, despite their craving for eating plants. The leaves and roots of these plants are so powerful that pets will not be able to cause serious damage to them.