Description
Small foreground plants for aquariums are in short supply, but Helanthium tenellum (= Echinodorus tenellus) is one of the best. The submerged leaves are very narrow and light-, middle-, olive-green to reddish. It differs from the always light green Helanthium tenellum "parvulum" by darker, often reddish coloration and narrower leaves. The runners spread round the aquarium. A true "lawn'' effect appr.5-10 cm tall is only achieved at high light intensities, so you must make sure larger plants do not overshadow the plant. Plant individual plants a couple of centimetres apart (easiest with tweezers). A nutritious bottom promotes growth.
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
Grasslike ground covering plant
Very narrow leaves
Olive green to reddish coloration
Spreads fast through runners
Complete Botanical Name
Helánthium tenéllum (Mart. ex Schult.f.) J.G.Sm.
Family
Alismataceae
Genus
Helanthium
Category
Ground Cover
Difficulty
medium
Growth
fast
pH Value
5-7
Temperature Tolerance
10-35℃
Carbonate Hardness
0-14 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Runners
Can Grow Emersed?
yes
Aquascaping
forms a grass-like lawn
