Helanthium Tenellum Green care guide
Helanthium Tenellum Green (Helanthium tenellum 'Green') — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Helanthium Tenellum Green (Helanthium tenellum 'Green') 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 bright green cultivar of the Pygmy Chain Sword that maintains its vivid green coloration without developing the reddish tones of the standard variety. Spreads rapidly via runners to form a dense grassy carpet in the foreground, making it one of the easiest carpeting plants to grow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Helanthium
- Scientific name: Helanthium tenellum 'Green'
- Common synonyms: Green Pygmy Chain Sword
Habitat
Helanthium tenellum (formerly Echinodorus tenellus) is a small alismataceous plant from South America that occupies seasonally flooded plains and stream margins. It forms low carpets in nature on sandy or muddy substrates. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Americas.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 8 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: foreground
Placement
Foreground carpet plant; 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.