ADA Helanthium tenellum

Helanthium tenellum, formerly known as Echinodorus tenellus, is a graceful, grass-like carpeting plant ideal for creating a soft, natural foreground. With its fine, narrow leaves and low-growing habit, this species mimics the look of aquatic meadows and blends beautifully into both nature-style and minimalist layouts. Its vibrant green or reddish hues (depending on lighting and nutrient levels) make it a visually dynamic choice for creating depth and movement in aquascapes of any size.

How to Use Helanthium tenellum
Helanthium tenellum is best planted directly into the substrate in the foreground or mid ground, where it can spread to form a dense, grassy carpet. Use aquascaping tweezers to plant small clumps a few centimetres apart to encourage even horizontal growth. This plant thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and benefits from moderate to high lighting. When provided with CO₂ supplementation and steady fertilisation, it sends out runners quickly, filling in open areas and creating a lush, natural lawn effect.

Maintenance
This plant is relatively easy to care for, though it grows more quickly and compactly under high light and with added CO₂. As it spreads by runners, occasional trimming or thinning may be needed to keep it from overtaking other foreground plants. Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed to maintain overall health and appearance. While Helanthium tenellum can adapt to lower-tech setups, it achieves its most vibrant coloration and dense coverage in nutrient-rich, CO₂-injected environments. It prefers soft to moderate water hardness and a temperature range of 20–28°C (68–82°F), making it suitable for most tropical aquarium conditions. 

Emersed Growth
Helanthium tenellum is also well-suited for emersed cultivation in high-humidity environments such as paludariums and Wabi-Kusa setups. When grown emersed, it retains its fine, grass-like structure and may produce tiny white flowers. A moist, nutrient-rich substrate and bright, indirect light will keep it healthy and encourage it to spread just as it does underwater, making it a beautiful addition to semi-aquatic setup.

Helanthium tenellum Growth Information