01
Overview
Ozelot came out of the great German Echinodorus breeding programs, crossing for spotting that persists rather than fading with age. Each new leaf opens dark red with irregular spots, maturing green while the next arrives behind it.
02
Aquascaping use
It brings pattern, not just mass, so give it midground prominence where the spotting stays visible. It carries a planted community tank's centerpiece role without high-tech support.
03
Planting
Plant the crown high in deep, rich substrate with space for a broad rosette. It transitions from emersed growth quickly for a sword.
Deep nutrient substrate
04
Light & CO₂
Medium light keeps spot contrast strong; deep shade greens it out. CO₂ enlarges leaves but the pattern is genetic and reliable.
05
Substrate & fertilization
Generous root tabs sustain the constant leaf turnover that keeps fresh spotted foliage coming. Iron supports the red base color.
Feeding behavior: Root feeder. Nutrient demand: high.
06
Growth, trimming & propagation
Remove older plain-green leaves to keep the spotted younger cohort dominant. Propagate from plantlets on the flower stalk.
Adventitious plantlets
07
Common problems
- !Spotting weakens on starved plants
- !Large footprint shades the foreground
- !New setups may trigger temporary leaf loss
