Ruffled Amazon Sword | Echinodorus martii - Easy Aquatic Plant

Echinodorus martii, also known as the Ruffle plant, has very long, broad leaves with ruffled edges and very short stems. This plant is amphibious, and when grown out of the water, the leaves will shorten, loose the ruffle, and take on a rounded appearance. The Ruffle plant is a relatively easy plant to maintain, but should not be exposed to copper, because it is copper sensitive. Plant the Ruffle plant in the background, or sides of the aquarium, or use it as a focal point in the larger aquarium. It requires a moderate level of light of 2 to 3 watts per gallon provided by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Reproduction within this species is by adventitious plants, or by rhizome division. Allow the new plant to form its own leaves prior to separating it from the mother plant, and relocating it in the aquarium. The Ruffle plant benefits from regular additions of CO2, iron rich fertilizers, and trace elements.