Echinodorus 'Rubin'
BeginnerEchinodorus 'Rubin'
A large hybrid sword plant with long, leathery leaves up to about 60 cm. Young leaves are vivid red-brown with conspicuously pale veins. Bred by Hans Barth of Dessau.
About
Echinodorus 'Rubin' is an Alismataceae hybrid bred by Hans Barth of Dessau, Germany, and known since 1993 as a proven cultivar; it does not occur in the wild. In Japan it is usually sold as 'Red Rubin'. It is a large cultivar with leathery, elongated leaves about 60 cm long and 3–5 cm wide. Leaf colour identifies it: young leaves in particular are vivid red-brown with noticeably paler veins, and it lacks the black spots of cultivars such as 'Ozelot'. Its parentage is reported inconsistently and is unclear. It is hardy and undemanding and looks impressive as a solitary specimen at the back of a large tank. Good light and root fertiliser help bring out the red. It can be propagated from plantlets on the flower stalk or by dividing the rhizome. The name 'Rubin' is also used for a Ludwigia cultivar (Ludwigia 'Rubin'), so check the genus when buying. Potted and large specimen plants are sold in Japanese specialist shops.
Size of the Echinodorus 'Rubin'
The Echinodorus 'Rubin' grows to Leaves about 60 cm long, 3–5 cm wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Echinodorus 'Rubin'
The ideal temperature for the Echinodorus 'Rubin' is 20〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivated hybrid (bred by Hans Barth, Dessau, Germany)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Leaves about 60 cm long, 3–5 cm wide
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Root fertiliser intensifies the red
Growing Tips
Lighting
Medium to high light; red colour fades in weak light.
CO2 & Fertilizer
CO2 is optional but improves growth and colour; add root tabs near the base.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 20–28°C, pH 5–7.
Substrate & Attachment
Plant firmly in a rich substrate at the back of a large tank, where it has room to spread.
Trimming & Propagation
Propagate from flower-stalk plantlets or rhizome division; remove old outer leaves at the base.
Cautions
With leaves approaching 60 cm it is unsuitable for small tanks. Never release plants into the wild.
Echinodorus 'Rubin' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Echinodorus 'Rubin'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Echinodorus 'Rubin'?
The ideal temperature for Echinodorus 'Rubin' is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Echinodorus 'Rubin' get?
The mature size of Echinodorus 'Rubin' is Leaves about 60 cm long, 3–5 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Echinodorus 'Rubin'?
Echinodorus 'Rubin': watering & fertilizer — Root fertiliser intensifies the red. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Echinodorus 'Rubin'?
The price of Echinodorus 'Rubin' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Echinodorus variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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