Plant comparison
Amazon Sword vs Stargrass
How the Amazon Sword and Stargrass compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Amazon Sword vs Stargrass
The Amazon Sword and the Stargrass come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Stargrass is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Amazon Sword rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Amazon Sword is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Amazon Sword22–28 °C
- Stargrass20–28 °C
pH
- Amazon Sword6.5–7.5
- Stargrass5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Amazon Sword3–18 dGH
- Stargrass2–12 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAmazon SwordEchinodorus grisebachii |  PlantStargrassHeteranthera zosterifolia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Brazil | Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay |
| Family | Alismataceae | Pontederiaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 3–18 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 40–50 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Optional | Recommended |
| Growth rate | Medium to Fast | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Amazon Sword and Stargrass together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Amazon Sword or the Stargrass?
The Stargrass is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Amazon Sword leans beginner-friendly.
Do Amazon Sword and Stargrass need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Amazon Sword and the Stargrass?
Placement and light. The Amazon Sword works as background, the Stargrass as background or midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.