Echinodorus Tenellus

Overview

Helanthium tenellum, the pygmy chain sword, is a small grass-like plant that spreads with runners to form a lawn in the foreground. It is one of the easier carpeting plants.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–27°C (68–80°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Lighting, CO₂ & Nutrients

• Light: Medium to high
• CO₂: Recommended for a dense lawn; slower without
• Nutrients: Root tabs plus liquid fertiliser

Placement & Growth

• Position: Foreground carpet
• Size: Low: 3–10 cm
• Growth rate: Moderate; spreads by runners
• Difficulty: Beginner

Planting & Care

• Split into small clumps and plant them 2–3 cm apart
• Root tabs speed up the runners
• Grows taller in low light and stays shorter and denser in strong light

Propagation

• Runners: new plantlets appear along runners and can be cut and replanted

Common Issues

• Thin, tall leaves and slow spreading in low light
• Takes a few weeks to settle before it starts sending runners