How to Grow Red Rubin Sword Plant
iNaturalist
Red Rubin Sword Plant
Echinodorus barthii
aquatic plantEchinodorus barthii is a popular aquarium plant known for its striking deep red to burgundy coloration, particularly on the undersides of its leaves. This rosette-forming stem plant is native to South America and is valued for adding vibrant color and vertical interest to planted aquariums. It's moderately easy to cultivate and suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
When should you plant Red Rubin Sword Plant in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Rubin Sword Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Red Rubin Sword Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Red Rubin Sword Plant
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Rubin Sword Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksPlant is freshly planted with intact root system; leaves are initially green with minimal red coloration
Ensure roots make good substrate contact; provide consistent lighting and nutrient dosing; avoid moving plant frequently
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksNew leaves emerge from the rosette center; leaves gradually develop red/burgundy coloration on undersides; plant expands laterally
Maintain steady fertilizer and micronutrient schedule; ensure adequate light intensity; monitor for algae competition; perform regular water changes
Red Coloration Development
6-12 weeksMature leaves display deep red to burgundy undersides; plant reaches substantial size; coloration intensifies with proper lighting and nutrient availability
Increase iron and micronutrient supplementation; maintain high light levels (3+ watts per gallon); provide consistent CO2 if available; continue regular maintenance
Flowering
2-4 weeksTall flower stalks emerge from rosette center with small white flowers; this stage rarely occurs in typical aquarium conditions
If flowers emerge, pollination is unlikely in aquariums; remove flower stalk to redirect energy to leaf growth; maintain normal care routine
Plantlet Production
Variable, 4-8 weeksIf flowers are pollinated or after flowering, small plantlets may develop along the flower stalk
Allow plantlets to develop small root systems before separating; plant new rosettes in nutrient-rich substrate with adequate spacing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Reduce light duration or intensity; increase plant density for better water competition; perform manual removal; introduce algae-eating fish (Siamese algae eaters, amano shrimp); maintain nutrient balance
-
Ensure stable water parameters; avoid sudden changes in temperature, lighting, or pH; provide adequate nutrients; remove affected leaves; improve water circulation
-
Dose all-in-one fertilizer or macronutrient solution; add iron supplements; ensure adequate lighting to drive nutrient uptake; check substrate quality and consider root tabs
-
Manual removal; introduce snail-eating fish or assassin snails if problematic; limit excess food sources
Uses
Aquarium Landscaping
HouseholdEchinodorus barthii is prized for creating the iconic red-to-burgundy focal points in planted aquariums, adding striking vertical and structural interest to midground and background positions. Its vibrant coloration and rosette form make it ideal for aquascaping designs and creating natural-looking aquatic gardens. [source]
Fish Habitat and Shelter
WildlifeThe dense rosette structure provides shelter, shade, and spawning sites for small aquarium fish and invertebrates, promoting natural behavior and reducing stress in captive environments. [source]
Water Purification
HouseholdLike all aquatic plants, Echinodorus barthii consumes excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients from the water column, helping to maintain better water quality and reduce algae bloom risk in planted tanks. [source]
Aquarium Propagation
CraftThe plant reproduces readily through daughter plantlets and vegetative propagation, making it ideal for aquascapers who wish to expand their planted tanks or share plants with fellow hobbyists. [source]
Harvest Tips
Echinodorus barthii is not harvested for food or traditional uses; instead, propagate by removing daughter plantlets that develop from flower stalks or by cutting and replanting side rosettes that develop naturally. Remove lower older leaves periodically to maintain plant aesthetics and improve light penetration to the center rosette.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Echinodorus barthii's striking red coloration is caused by the production of anthocyanin pigments, which intensify under high light and nutrient-rich conditions—essentially the plant's response to stress or optimal growing conditions.
- 🌱 In nature, Echinodorus species are found in South American wetlands and can grow partially emersed (partially above water); some aquarists have successfully grown E. barthii in low-tech paludariums with impressive results.
- 🌱 The plant was named after the aquatic plant collector and botanist J. Barthius, and it remains one of the most recognized and sought-after red aquarium plants in the hobby worldwide.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Red Rubin Sword Plant planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Rubin Sword Plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Red Rubin Sword Plant timeline →