Plant atlas

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This Echinodorus cultivar, known as 'Ozelot Grün' (Green Ozelot), is a stabilized horticultural hybrid created by Hans Barth in Dessau, Germany. It does not exist in nature. Its genetic parent species come from the tropical regions of South America, where they grow in slow-moving rivers and marshy areas rich in light and nutrients.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It is a registered hybrid belonging to the family Alismataceae. It is derived from the cross between Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus 'Barthii'. Genetic selection aimed to stabilize the dark spots on a bright green leaf base while maintaining high vegetative vigor.

Physical Structure: Develops a dense and moderately compact leaf rosette, with a height between 20 and 35 cm. The leaves are elliptic or lanceolate, with short petioles that form a harmonious clump. It develops a very robust and branched root system that firmly anchors the plant to the substrate.

Color & Texture: Features olive-green or light green leaves, entirely covered with dark brick-red or dark brown spots, resembling the coat of an ocelot. Under intense light, the spots are very defined and contrasting, while on new leaves the red is more vivid.

Lighting & CO2: Requires medium to intense lighting. Under strong light, the red spots remain marked and the colors contrasting; under insufficient light, the plant tends to produce entirely green leaves. CO2 accelerates growth but is not indispensable.

Nutrition & Substrate: Like all Echinodorus, it benefits enormously from a fertile substrate. It is essential to insert fertilizer tabs rich in iron and trace elements near the roots to prevent new leaves from growing faded or without spots. Column fertilization supports overall growth.

Water Chemistry: It is an extremely adaptable plant. It tolerates temperatures between 15°C and 30°C, with an optimal pH between 5.0 and 7.0 and a water hardness from very soft to hard (KH 0-21 dKH).

Space Management & Placement: Its ideal placement is in the midground of the aquarium, where it serves as an excellent focal point thanks to its spotted coloration. Make sure to leave enough space around the rosette to enhance its expanded shape.

Pruning: Pruning consists of removing older, damaged, or yellowed outer leaves by cutting them near the base of the rosette. This stimulates the constant emission of highly colored new central leaves.

Risks & Diseases: It is a robust plant that rarely gets sick. The main risks are related to micronutrient (iron) deficiencies, which manifest as the loss of dark variegation, and the accumulation of algae on older leaves if they are not properly pruned.