UNS Helanthium Tenellum in-Vitro

UNS Helanthium tenellum – Tissue Culture

Helanthium tenellum, commonly known as Pygmy Chain Sword or Dwarf Chain Sword, is a beautiful, low-growing aquarium plant known for its narrow, grass-like leaves and ability to create a natural, lush green carpet across the foreground of freshwater aquariums.

Its delicate, sword-shaped leaves and spreading growth habit make it an excellent choice for aquascapers looking to achieve a natural grassy appearance. Under suitable lighting conditions, the leaves may develop attractive reddish or bronze tones, adding depth and contrast to planted aquariums.

Helanthium tenellum spreads through runners, gradually producing new plantlets that form a dense carpet across the substrate. It is relatively easy to maintain and can thrive in both low-tech and high-tech planted aquariums. While CO₂ injection is not essential, it encourages faster growth, healthier development, and more compact carpeting.

Grown using sterile tissue culture techniques, this plant is supplied free from snails, algae, and unwanted pests, making it an excellent choice for establishing a clean, healthy aquascape.

Plant Care Information:

• Scientific Name: Helanthium tenellum

• Common Name: Pygmy Chain Sword / Dwarf Chain Sword

• Previously Known As: Echinodorus tenellus

• Origin: The Americas

• Placement: Foreground / Carpeting

• Lighting: Medium to High

• CO₂: Recommended but Not Essential

• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Temperature: 20–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Height: Approximately 5–10 cm (may grow taller)

• Propagation: Runners

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquasoil recommended

Planting Instructions:

Carefully remove the plant from its tissue culture container and gently rinse away any remaining nutrient gel.

Divide the plant into small individual portions, ensuring each portion has healthy roots. Using aquascaping tweezers, plant the portions approximately 2–3 cm apart in a nutrient-rich substrate.

Over time, the plants will establish their root systems and begin producing runners, gradually spreading to form a natural, grass-like carpet.

Provide adequate lighting, nutrients, and stable water conditions to encourage healthy growth. Regularly remove older or damaged leaves to maintain a neat, attractive appearance.

Please Note:

Plant size, leaf count, and colouration may vary naturally between tissue culture portions. Newly planted specimens may require an adjustment period before producing fresh submerged growth.

Perfect for: Iwagumi aquascapes, nature-style planted aquariums, nano tanks, foreground carpeting, and creating natural underwater grasslands.

“Available to order” means this item is not in store right now. It can be ordered and delivered within 5–7 working days. Please confirm availability before you order.