Echinodorus Martii

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus martii (also known as Echinodorus major)
• Common Name: Ruffled Amazon Sword, Martii Sword
• Origin: South America (mainly Brazil)
• Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 inches), can grow larger in ideal conditions
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Care: Easy to moderate
• Light: Moderate to high
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial
• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets on flower stalks
• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture: Echinodorus martii features broad, bright green leaves with a distinctive wavy or ruffled edge, giving it a more decorative and textured look than standard Amazon Swords. The leaves grow in a rosette and are quite large, making it a bold feature plant.
• Placement: Best suited for the background or as a centerpiece in large aquariums. Because of its size and shape, it’s ideal for creating a dramatic aquascape or focal point.
• Water Conditions: Prefers soft to moderately hard water and temperatures from 22–28°C (72–82°F). It adapts well to most tropical aquarium settings.
• Lighting: Needs moderate to high lighting for optimal growth and to maintain leaf shape and coloration. Insufficient lighting may cause the leaves to become smaller or less vibrant.
• CO₂: Optional, but CO₂ supplementation improves growth rate, leaf size, and health. It's especially helpful in high-tech tanks.
• Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate is important, as E. martii is a heavy root feeder. Use root tabs and liquid fertilizers (especially with iron) to support vibrant leaf color and healthy growth.
• Propagation: Propagates via adventitious plantlets on flower stalks. Once the plantlets develop a few roots and leaves, they can be separated and replanted.
• Growth Rate: Moderate, faster with proper lighting and nutrient availability.