Plant comparison
Amazon Sword vs Vallisneria Spiralis
How the Amazon Sword and Vallisneria Spiralis compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Amazon Sword vs Vallisneria Spiralis
The Amazon Sword and the Vallisneria Spiralis 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 Vallisneria Spiralis is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Amazon Sword rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Amazon Sword22–28 °C
- Vallisneria Spiralis18–28 °C
pH
- Amazon Sword6.5–7.5
- Vallisneria Spiralis6.5–8
Hardness
- Amazon Sword3–18 dGH
- Vallisneria Spiralis5–25 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAmazon SwordEchinodorus grisebachii |  PlantVallisneria SpiralisVallisneria spiralis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Brazil | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Family | Alismataceae | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 3–18 | 5–25 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Max height | 40–50 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | Optional | None to Optional |
| 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 Vallisneria Spiralis 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 Vallisneria Spiralis?
The Vallisneria Spiralis is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Amazon Sword leans beginner-friendly.
Do Amazon Sword and Vallisneria Spiralis 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 Vallisneria Spiralis?
Placement and light. The Amazon Sword works as background, the Vallisneria Spiralis as background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.