Description
Ruffle Sword for Sale — Dramatic Ruffled Leaves and Bold Presence for Freshwater Aquariums
If you’ve been searching for Ruffle Sword for sale, Quinn’s Fins grows Echinodorus martii — also known as Ruffled Amazon Sword, Ruffle Plant, or Echinodorus major — right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse. Ruffle Sword is one of the most visually distinctive aquarium plants in the freshwater hobby — a long-time planted tank staple that delivers something no standard broad-leaved sword plant can replicate: deeply ruffled, undulated leaf edges that ripple and catch light in a way that makes even a single specimen an immediate focal point in any aquarium. Its long, broad, bright green leaves rise from a compact central rosette in a lush, fountain-like arrangement, each blade striped with beautiful natural striations that add visual depth and complexity to the leaf surface. Ruffle Sword for sale at Quinn’s Fins is available in two formats — bare root (SKU 6027-3, $7.99) and potted (SKU 6027-2, $12.99) — both nursery-grown and ready to plant.
Why Ruffle Sword for Sale Is a Planted Tank Classic
Ruffle Sword earns its enduring reputation through a combination of bold visual impact, easy care, and the kind of textural uniqueness that makes it stand out in any collection of aquarium plants — including tanks that already feature other sword varieties.
- Deeply ruffled, undulated leaf edges — a dramatic texture found in no other common aquarium sword plant
- Beautiful natural striations on broad bright green leaves — catches and holds light from every angle
- Lush fountain-like rosette formation — impressive centerpiece or background specimen in medium to large aquariums
- Beginner-friendly — one of the most undemanding large sword plants available
- No CO2 injection required — thrives in low-tech setups without specialized equipment
- Heavy root feeder — develops a deep, anchored root system that anchors firmly and stabilizes substrate
- Excellent natural cover for fish, shrimp, and fry — broad ruffled leaves create natural shelter
- Bright green color contrasts beautifully against red-leaved plants — a versatile design element in mixed plantings
Growing Ruffle Sword — Care at a Glance
Substrate — Primary Growth Variable
Ruffle Sword is a heavy root feeder — substrate quality is the most impactful variable in growth rate, leaf size, and ruffling intensity. In nutrient-rich aquarium soil (ADA Aqua Soil, Fluval Stratum, or similar), this plant grows vigorously without additional supplementation. In inert gravel or sand, root tabs placed directly beneath the plant and refreshed every 2–3 months are essential. Iron-rich fertilization is particularly important for this species — adequate iron produces the deepest green color and most vivid striations on the leaves.
Light
Ruffle Sword performs in moderate to high lighting. Moderate light produces steady, healthy growth. Higher light accelerates growth, increases leaf size, and intensifies the ruffling effect on leaf edges. In lower light the plant will survive but ruffling is less pronounced and growth slows significantly. Provide full-spectrum lighting for 8–10 hours daily for best results.
Copper Sensitivity
Ruffle Sword is sensitive to copper. Do not use copper-based medications or fertilizers in tanks containing this plant. Verify that any aquarium products used are copper-free before application.
Planting
Plant Ruffle Sword with roots spread downward and buried in the substrate, crown — the central growing point — kept just at or slightly above the substrate surface. Never bury the crown, which can cause rot. In large aquariums, plant as a background or side specimen; in medium aquariums it can serve as a dramatic focal point centerpiece. Space at least 8–12 inches from neighboring plants to allow the full rosette to develop.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Flow: Low to moderate — avoid strong direct current on leaves
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 injection is not required. However, CO2 supplementation produces noticeably faster growth, larger leaves, and more pronounced ruffling. Regular iron-rich liquid fertilizer supplementation is strongly recommended — iron is the most impactful micronutrient for this species’ leaf color, striations, and overall visual quality. Root tabs are the most effective fertilization delivery method for this heavy root feeder.
Size Management
Ruffle Sword can grow very large — leaves reaching 20 inches or more under ideal conditions. In medium-sized aquariums, manage size by removing older outer leaves at the base as new leaves develop from the center. This keeps the rosette compact and prevents the plant from overwhelming the tank. Remove side shoots and propagation shoots to direct energy to the main rosette if maximum leaf size is the goal.
Propagation
Ruffle Sword propagates via adventitious side shoots that develop on the leaves and flower stalks. Allow these side shoots to develop their own roots and 3–4 leaves before separating and replanting in the substrate. The plant can also be propagated by rhizome division — carefully dividing the root mass and replanting each division in prepared substrate.
Emersed Growth
In emersed conditions above the waterline, Ruffle Sword changes dramatically — leaves shorten, lose their ruffling, and take on a rounder, smoother appearance. The submerged form with its dramatic ruffled edges is the form this plant is known and prized for. For best results, keep fully submerged in the aquarium.
Two Ways to Buy Ruffle Sword for Sale at Quinn’s Fins
Ruffle Sword for sale at Quinn’s Fins is available in two formats:
- Bare Root (SKU 6027-3) — $7.99: A healthy rooted plant shipped without substrate. Trim any damaged roots before planting, rinse thoroughly, and plant directly into your aquarium substrate with roots spread downward and crown above the substrate surface.
- Potted (SKU 6027-2) — $12.99: Nursery-grown in a pot with established root structure. Remove the plant and all growing media — including any rockwool or cotton — before planting. Never place the pot or growing media directly in the aquarium. Rinse roots thoroughly after removal.
Nursery-Grown at Quinn’s Fins
Every Ruffle Sword for sale at Quinn’s Fins is grown right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse — not drop-shipped or bulk-sourced. We grow what we sell.
For more on growing Ruffle Sword and other aquarium plants, visit the Buce Plant Ruffle Sword care page or browse our full selection of aquatic plants at Quinn’s Fins.
Ruffle Sword Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Echinodorus martii (syn. E. major, E. leopoldina) |
| Common Names | Ruffle Sword, Ruffled Amazon Sword, Ruffle Plant |
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Native Range | Brazil, South America |
| Height | Up to 20″+ submerged under ideal conditions |
| Leaf Texture | Broad, bright green; deeply ruffled/undulated edges with natural striations |
| Growth Rate | Moderate — faster with CO2 and iron-rich fertilizer |
| Light Requirement | Moderate to high; 8–10 hours daily recommended |
| CO2 | Not required; significantly improves leaf size and ruffling |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich preferred; root tabs + iron fertilizer in inert substrate |
| Copper Sensitivity | Yes — avoid copper-based products |
| Placement | Midground to background; focal point in medium tanks; 8–12″ spacing |
| Propagation | Adventitious side shoots on leaves/stalks; rhizome division |
| Fish & Shrimp Safe | Yes — excellent natural shelter |
| Difficulty | Easy — beginner-friendly |
| Available As | Bare Root (SKU 6027-3, $7.99) or Potted (SKU 6027-2, $12.99) |
