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Helanthium Bolivianum
Helanthium bolivianum
Also known as Chain Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Liliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
Helanthium bolivianum is a small chain sword from Central and South America that spreads by runners into a low lawn. The broad leaf and narrow leaf forms differ in leaf width and height. It grows in low to medium light without added CO2, and faster with a nutrient-rich substrate.
Where it's from
Native to Argentina Northeast, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast and 18 more
Recorded as introduced in Mauritius
At a glance
- CO₂
- not required
- Growth
- Moderate
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 68–82°F
- 20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 54–268 ppm
- 3–15 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 4Non-destructive; helps control algae without uprooting plants
Small, peaceful algae eater that won't disturb the carpet
Peaceful schooling fish that adds visual contrast without harming plants
Pairs well as a complementary carpeting/midground plant with similar care
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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; typical when moving from emersed to fully submerged growth.
Trim affected leaves; keep parameters (pH, temperature) stable; provide adequate light and nutrients; be patient as new submerged growth emerges.
Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)
New leaves appear pale yellow or white while veins stay green.
Dose chelated liquid iron; ensure macronutrient balance to improve iron uptake; raise light if deficient.
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; stunted growth.
Cut photoperiod to 8–10 hrs; increase water changes; add algae eaters (Amano Shrimp, Otocinclus); improve flow.
Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)
Stunted growth, yellowing older leaves, weak runner development.
Dose an all-in-one liquid fertilizer or macro supplement; use nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs; increase water-change frequency.
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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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
- Moderate
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 68–82°F20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 54–268 ppm3–15 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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