Helanthium tenellum ‘Red’, commonly known as “Dwarf Chain Sword” or “Pygmy Chain Sword,” is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby.
Helanthium tenellum ‘Red’ features narrow, grass-like leaves that are typically green with a reddish hue, especially under high light conditions.
Its a small, carpeting plant, usually growing to about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in height.
It spreads via runners, creating a dense, carpet-like effect on the substrate of the aquarium.
Requires moderate to high lighting to thrive and develop its characteristic reddish color.
Supplementing with CO2 can promote faster and more vibrant growth but is not strictly necessary.
Grows best in nutrient-rich substrates. Adding root tabs can be beneficial if the substrate is not nutrient-dense.