π± Echinodorus tenellus β Care Guide
(Now often classified as Helanthium tenellum)
Echinodorus tenellus, also known as the Pygmy Chain Sword, is a classic foreground carpet plant that's easy to grow and ideal for low- to high-tech aquascapes. It resembles grass, grows via runners, and forms lush green lawns when given the right conditions.
π Overview
-
Scientific Name: Helanthium tenellum (formerly Echinodorus tenellus)
-
Common Names: Pygmy Chain Sword, Dwarf Sword
-
Origin: North and South America
-
Growth Form: Thin, grass-like blades from a central rosette
-
Size: 5β15 cm (2β6 inches) tall
-
Placement: Foreground or low midground
π‘ Care Requirements
π Lighting
-
Medium to high lighting promotes tight, compact carpeting
-
Low light = taller, less dense growth
π¨ COβ
-
Not required, but strongly recommended for carpeting effect
-
Helps reduce legginess and promotes vibrant growth
π§ Water Parameters
-
Temperature: 20β28Β°C (68β82Β°F)
-
pH: 6.0β7.5
-
Hardness: Soft to medium
-
Flow: Moderate flow is ideal
π§ͺ Nutrients
-
Heavy root feeder β thrives in nutrient-rich substrate
-
Root tabs helpful if planted in inert substrates
-
Responds well to liquid ferts for micronutrient balance
βοΈ Growth & Maintenance
-
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
-
Spreads through runners/stolons to form a lawn
-
Trim tall or shading leaves regularly to keep the carpet flat
-
Remove dead/dying leaves to avoid decay buildup
π± Propagation
-
Produces runners with small daughter plants
-
Let daughter plants root, then trim the runner to separate
-
You can replant or let them spread naturally
πͺ΄ Aquascaping Tips
-
Perfect for foreground in nature-style or Iwagumi aquascapes
-
Works well with hardscape (rocks or driftwood), providing a natural grassy base
-
Combine with:
-
Eleocharis acicularis for textural contrast
-
Cryptocoryne parva for mixed foregrounds
-
Pogostemon helferi for dynamic leaf shape variety
-