Dwarf chain sword

Echinodorus tenellus

Family : Alismataceae

PlantFreshwaterclassic

Dwarf chain sword is a foreground plant that forms a light green lawn. Ideal for nano tanks.

Dwarf chain sword — photo 1 sur 2 — Uccio D'Agostino · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.01 / 2

Popularity

Easy plant

standard lighting, few requirements

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

South America

Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

The leaves are linear, 3–10 cm long, soft green. The plant spreads quickly via stolons, creating a continuous carpet. It stays low, not exceeding 15 cm. It can flower when emersed. Growth is fast under good lighting. Often confused with Echinodorus tenellus 'Micro' but larger.

Habitat

Region :

This plant grows in marshes, riverbanks, and flooded areas. It forms dense carpets in shallow waters. The substrate is often sandy or muddy.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature20–28 °C

pH6–7.5

GH3–10 °dGH

KH2–6 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

20 L

Min. group

Adult size

10 cm

Lifespan

5 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Division des stolons ou repiquage des plantules.

Care notes

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 3–10. Moderate to high lighting (0.5–0.8 W/L) is needed for a dense carpet. A nutrient-rich substrate promotes growth. CO2 addition is not essential but speeds spread. Tolerates slightly brackish water. Suitable for tanks of 20 L and more. Compatible with shrimp and peaceful fish. Trim stolons to control spread.

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