Echinodorus tenellus (Narrow leaf chain sword)

• Height: 5-10 cm
• Width: 5-8+ cm
• Light requirements: medium-very high
• Temperature: 19-30 °C
• Hardness tolerance: very soft-medium
• pH tolerance: 5.5-8
• Growth: medium
• Demands: medium

Easy to grow in tropical aquariums or outside in and around ponds in warmer regions. It will form a mat in good conditions and in plenty of light. Likes a good substrate of small grained gravel / sand. Benefits from additional CO2. Ideal for the fore - mid-ground of the aquarium. Will tolerate lower temperatures than many other Echinodorus, down to at least 68F (20C) or lower. Propagates readily by runners. 

Small foreground plants for aquariums are in short supply, but Echinodorus tenellus is one of the best. The runners spread round the aquarium, and growth is more compact when planted in a pot or between stones or other objects. A true ''lawn'' effect 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.

Habitat

Aquatic emergent plant.

• Habitat: mud, wet sand, or shallow water
• Height: 2-5 inches
• Flower size: 1/8 to 3/8 inch across
• Flower color: white or pink