Helanthium tenellum

Helanthium tenellum is a great sword plant to be used in foreground or midground areas of the aquarium.  Pygmy chain sword, as it is commonly called, spreads by runners and can form a nice carpet in the foreground areas of the aquarium.  Helanthium tenellum is a native to the warmer parts of North, Central and South America.  This plant was sold for many years under the name, Echinodorus tenellus. However the chain swords, as a group have been moved to the genus Helanthium.

Common Name:     Pygmy chain sword

Family Name:          Alismataceae

Native To:                The western hemisphere

Lighting:                  Moderate

Requirements:          Undemanding, but spreads better with a nutrient rich substrate 

Growth Form:           Rosette, runner

Growth Rate:            Moderate

True Aquatic:            Yes

Placement in Tank:   Foreground

Available As:             Bare root, potted