Dwarf Chain Sword
Helanthium tenellum
Also known as Narrow Leaf Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Liliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
Dwarf Chain Sword is a popular foreground stem plant with delicate, narrow green leaves that form dense carpets in aquariums. It grows relatively quickly and produces runners that spread horizontally, making it ideal for creating lush carpet effects. This plant is undemanding and tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it excellent for beginners.
Where it's from
Native to Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Arkansas, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast and 37 more
At a glance
- CO₂
- not required
- Growth
- Fast
- Placement
- foreground
- Temp
- 68–82°F
- 20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Tanks growing this
Growing in 3 tanks2 tanks shared publicly; 1 more kept privately.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Non-destructive; helps control algae without uprooting plants
Small, peaceful algae eater that won't disturb carpet plants
Peaceful schooling fish that adds visual contrast without harming plants
Generally peaceful; may occasionally nibble plants but rarely causes significant damage
Pairs well visually as a complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Melt on Transition, Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis), Algae Overgrowth on Leaves, Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)
Melt on Transition
Leaves turn translucent, mushy, and dissolve within days of planting; typically occurs when moving from emersed to fully submerged conditions
Trim affected leaves; ensure stable water parameters (pH, temperature); provide adequate lighting and nutrients; be patient as new submerged growth emerges
Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)
New leaves appear pale yellow or white while veins remain green; older leaves may show similar patterns
Dose with liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron); increase lighting if deficient; ensure macronutrient balance to improve iron uptake
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; stunted growth; reduced photosynthesis
Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fauna (Amano Shrimp, Otocinclus); improve water flow to prevent stagnant zones
Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)
Stunted growth; yellowing of older leaves; weak runner development; pale coloration
Dose with all-in-one liquid fertilizer or macronutrient supplement; ensure substrate contains nutrients; increase water change frequency to replenish nutrients
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- CO₂
- not required
- Growth
- Fast
- Placement
- foreground
- Temp
- 68–82°F20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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