Echinodorus tenellus (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Echinodorus tenellus, commonly known as Dwarf Sword Plant or Pygmy Chain Sword, is a popular foreground plant in aquariums. It has slender, grass-like leaves and forms a dense carpet, making it a favorite in aquascaping. Here’s a detailed care guide to ensure your Echinodorus tenellus thrives:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for small to medium aquariums (10 gallons or larger). This plant is perfect for creating a lush carpet in the foreground.
• Lighting: Moderate to high light. Echinodorus tenellus grows best under bright light, where it can spread and form a dense carpet. In low light, it will grow more slowly and might become leggy.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F); ideal for most tropical aquarium setups.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water conditions are best for Echinodorus tenellus.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH). It can tolerate a range of water hardness levels but grows best in soft to moderately hard water.
• Substrate: Prefers a fine, nutrient-rich substrate like aquasoil or fine gravel. The substrate should be at least 2–3 inches deep to support its root system. A nutrient-rich substrate helps promote faster and healthier growth.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, depending on light intensity and nutrient levels. It will spread through runners and form a dense carpet.
• CO2 Requirement: While not strictly necessary, CO2 supplementation will greatly improve growth, especially under high light. It will grow without CO2 but at a slower pace.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Regular trimming is essential to keep Echinodorus tenellus compact and prevent it from growing too tall. Trim any older or damaged leaves to maintain a neat carpet. If it starts to spread outside its intended area, trim back runners and replant them in another part of the tank.
• Fertilization: Echinodorus tenellus is a nutrient-hungry plant, so regular fertilization is key. Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains both macro- and micronutrients. Root tabs can be added to provide nutrients directly to the plant’s roots. Over time, the plant will deplete the substrate’s nutrients, so replenishing them periodically is important.
• Water Flow: This plant prefers moderate water flow, which helps keep debris from accumulating on the leaves and ensures nutrients are distributed throughout the tank. Too strong a current can uproot the delicate roots of the plant, so moderate flow is ideal.
• Placement: Echinodorus tenellus is a foreground plant, so it works best in the front or middle of the tank. Plant it in small clumps, leaving space between them so the runners can spread and form a carpet.
• Propagation: Echinodorus tenellus propagates by sending out runners. Once a runner takes root, it forms a new plant. You can cut and replant these runners to propagate the plant and expand your carpet.

Additional Notes

• Water Quality: Maintain regular water changes and ensure good filtration. Echinodorus tenellus thrives in stable, clean water conditions, and proper water maintenance helps prevent algae issues.
• Tank Mates: It’s compatible with most fish and invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and peaceful fish. Avoid placing large or herbivorous fish that might uproot or damage the delicate leaves. Shrimp may graze on algae on the plant’s surface, which can be beneficial.
• Algae Prevention: This plant helps absorb nutrients in the aquarium, which can reduce the chances of algae growth. However, if there’s an excess of nutrients, algae can still develop. Keep an eye on nutrient levels and ensure proper water changes to maintain water quality.

Common Problems

• Yellowing or Stunted Growth: This could be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, iron, or potassium. Provide regular fertilization and use root tabs to ensure the plant is getting all the necessary nutrients.
• Leggy Growth: Insufficient light or lack of CO2 can cause the plant to stretch and grow tall rather than forming a dense carpet. Increase light intensity or add CO2 to encourage more compact growth.
• Uprooting or Loose Plants: Echinodorus tenellus has delicate roots that can be easily disturbed by strong currents or large fish. Ensure that the substrate is deep enough and the water flow is moderate to avoid uprooting the plant.
• Algae Growth on Leaves: Algae can build up on the plant’s leaves, especially if water parameters are off. Regular cleaning of the leaves with a soft cloth and good filtration can help prevent algae issues.

Echinodorus tenellus is a fantastic addition to any aquarium, providing a beautiful, lush carpet in the foreground. With the right care, including proper lighting, nutrients, and regular maintenance, this plant can quickly become the focal point of your aquascape, adding beauty and texture to your tank.