Echinodorus martii — Ruffle Sword Plant
Best vibrant greenery for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts.
Echinodorus martii, commonly known as the Ruffle Sword, is a large and elegant sword plant prized for its long, wavy-edged leaves that create flowing movement and natural texture in freshwater aquariums. With its dramatic presence and undulating foliage, the Ruffle Sword makes a stunning background centerpiece in aquascapes, especially in tall or large tanks. This South American native features bright green, ruffled leaves that can grow up to 18–24 inches tall under optimal conditions. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrate and requires moderate to high lighting to maintain its size and vibrant coloration. While it’s considered a low-maintenance plant, the addition of root tabs and iron-rich fertilizers will promote faster, healthier growth and leaf expansion. This plant performs best in aquariums 30 gallons or larger due to its size. It may produce long emersed flower stalks with plantlets that can be propagated, adding to its appeal for aquarists who enjoy cultivating new plants within their tanks.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
711
/ 955
#711 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
Temperature
7282
/ °F–°F
Who it's for
- Hobbyists seeking a durable, long-term aquatic plant investment
- Tank owners prioritizing a healthy, naturally balanced aquatic ecosystem
Who should skip it
- Small tank owners or those with limited aquascape space
- Beginners or aquarists preferring low-maintenance, less demanding plants
- Hobbyists with standard lighting or those avoiding higher-intensity setups
Performance breakdown
Aquascaping Impact
Dramatic ruffled foliage creates an unmatched focal point for large tanks.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives with minimal intervention while rewarding consistent nutrient supplementation.
Growth Potential
Rapid development under optimal light makes for a lush, full background.
Propagation Simplicity
Natural plantlet production makes expanding your collection straightforward and rewarding.
Tank Compatibility
Safe for diverse freshwater setups including sensitive shrimp and snail colonies.
Environmental Adaptability
Flexible within standard water parameters but demands space to reach maturity.
Key Specs
Temperature
72°F–82°F
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
Soft to moderately hard
Lighting
Moderate to high
Substrate
Nutrient-rich soil or root tabs
Tank Size
Ideal for 30 gallons and up
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Plant Type
Sword Plant
Features
- Elegant, wavy-edged leaves create flowing movement
- Stunning background centerpiece for large aquascapes
- Propagates via plantlets from flower stalks
- Low-maintenance and beginner-friendly
- Safe for all freshwater fish, shrimp, and snails
- Adaptable to various water conditions
- Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs
- Requires moderate to high lighting for best growth
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ruffle Sword Plant for its exceptional quality and vibrant health upon delivery. Many reviewers highlight how well the plants adapt to new aquarium environments, showing robust growth and beautiful coloration shortly after planting. This ease of establishment makes it a favorite among aquarists seeking a reliable and visually appealing addition to their tanks. The plant's hardiness and minimal care requirements further contribute to a highly positive sentiment, reflecting excellent value for its lasting beauty and vitality.
Know before you buy
Due to its potential height and spread of up to 24 inches, this plant is best suited for aquariums of 30 gallons or larger. It serves as a large, dramatic centerpiece and needs sufficient space to reach its full aesthetic potential.
No, the Ruffle Sword does not require supplemental CO2 to thrive. It is a hardy species that grows well in standard freshwater setups, provided it has access to a nutrient-rich substrate.
While it is considered low-maintenance, this plant is a heavy root feeder. Using a nutrient-rich substrate or inserting root tabs near the base will significantly improve leaf size and growth speed.
This plant propagates naturally by producing long flower stalks that grow toward the water surface. These stalks will develop small plantlets, which can be carefully removed and replanted once they have established their own root systems.
Yes, the Ruffle Sword is completely safe for all freshwater inhabitants, including shrimp, snails, and fish. It provides excellent natural cover and texture for your aquarium livestock.
Because of its height and dramatic, wavy foliage, it is best positioned in the background or as a focal point in the midground of larger tanks. Ensure it has enough room to spread out without being crowded by other plants.
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