Helanthium Bolivianum care guide
Helanthium Bolivianum (Helanthium bolivianum) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Helanthium Bolivianum (Helanthium bolivianum) is an aquatic plant of the family Alismataceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A versatile foreground plant that sends out numerous runners, forming a carpet of small rosettes. Easy to grow and well-suited for creating a natural, meadow-like foreground in planted aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Helanthium
- Scientific name: Helanthium bolivianum
- Common synonyms: Chain Sword, Bolivian Sword
Habitat
Helanthium is a small Alismataceae genus from the Americas occupying seasonally flooded plains and stream margins. In nature it forms low carpets on sandy or muddy substrates. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: foreground
Placement
Foreground or low-midground carpet; closely spaced runners cover the substrate quickly under medium-to-high light and CO2. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Spreads aggressively by runners that throw daughter plants; trimming runners maintains a tight carpet. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Pale or stunted runners signal nutrient or iron deficiency in the substrate; root tabs restore vigour.