Red Rubin Sword

The Red Rubin Sword (Echinodorus 'Rubin') is a stunning, heavily vibrant hybrid Amazon Sword plant created by crossing Echinodorus horemannii 'Roter' with Echinodorus horizontalis. It is widely celebrated in the aquarium hobby for its large, deep burgundy-to-ruby-red leaves that provide a striking focal point in planted tanks.

Name

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Rubin'

• Common Names: Red Rubin Sword, Rubin Sword Plant, Red Rubin Amazon Sword

Characteristics

• Appearance: Features long, lance-shaped foliage with distinct light-colored leaf veins. New leaves emerge in a brilliant deep ruby red or dark purple-red hue, gradually maturing into a rich dark green or bronze-olive color.

• Size & Placement: A large rosette plant growing 12–20+ inches (30–50+ cm) tall, making it a classic centerpiece for the midground or background of medium to large aquariums.

• Feeding Style: Heavy root feeder—requires a thick, nutrient-dense substrate or regular supplementation with iron-rich root tabs to support strong growth and vibrant red pigmentation.

• Care Level: Easy and durable—great for beginners looking to add high-impact red coloration without fussy care demands.

Temperature

• Ideal Range: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

• Note: Extremely adaptable across standard tropical freshwater conditions.

Lighting

• Requirement: Moderate to High

• Note: Stronger light intensifies and prolongs the rich ruby-red color of new leaves. Under low light, foliage turns greener faster and leaves grow longer and narrower.

CO2: Not Required.

Propagation

• Method: Adventitious Plantlets (Runners) or Crown Division

• How it works:

  1. Runners: Mature plants produce long flowering stalks (adventitious runners) that form small daughter plantlets along the nodes. Once these plantlets develop roots and a few small leaves, snip them off and plant them into the substrate.

  2. Crown Division: Large, established specimens can be split directly at the root crown using a clean razor or scissors during aquascape maintenance.