Ruffled amazon sword (Echinodorus major) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Ruffled sword
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Water
freshwater

Care

A sword plant listed in Wikipedia's list of freshwater aquarium plants as the ruffled amazon sword. None of our three sources had a page we could use for it, so this entry is short. In the hobby the name has long been mixed up with Echinodorus martii (see that page), and plants sold under either name are usually large, wavy-edged swords for the background. Treat it like other large swords: a deep, rich substrate, root tablets near the rhizome, moderate to good light and room to spread. Its exact size, origin and water needs are not confirmed by our sources. Sources: Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Swords of this group are usually increased from the young plantlets that form on the flower stems (peg the stem down or cut the plantlet off once it has a few leaves and roots) or by cutting the rhizome into pieces that each have leaves and roots.

Compatibility and tank mates

The leaves are tough and most fish and snails leave them alone. Large cichlids and goldfish may dig the plant up while it is rooting, so weigh the base down with stones at first. Suits tropical community tanks; the large leaves give shy fish cover.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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