Bolivian Sword Plant Plant Care

Bolivian Sword Plant (Helanthium bolivianum) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Helanthium genus. Bolivian Sword Plant is native to southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America. Bolivian Sword Plant is also known as Amazon Sword.

Bolivian Sword Plant displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bolivian Sword Plant produces small white flowers on tall stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bolivian Sword Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bolivian Sword Plant thrives in medium to high indirect light. Avoid placing Bolivian Sword Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Helanthium bolivianum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Bolivian Sword Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bolivian Sword Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bolivian Sword Plant every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with medium to high indirect light and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bolivian Sword Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bolivian Sword Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bolivian Sword Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bolivian Sword Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bolivian Sword Plant can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pygmy burhead plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bolivian Sword Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bolivian Sword Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Bolivian Sword Plant is native to southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America. In cooler regions, grow Bolivian Sword Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.