Helanthium tenellum ‘Micro’ is a compact, fast-spreading foreground carpeting aquarium plant known for its fine, grass-like leaves and runner-based growth. Popular among aquascapers for its ease of care and adaptability, it’s the perfect choice for creating natural green carpets — even in low tech tanks. Whether you’re designing a minimalist Iwagumi layout or a densely planted Nature Aquarium, this Helanthium tenellum aquarium plant provides balance and texture. Available in Tissue Culture and Emersed formats, this passport provides complete planting and maintenance guidance, including growth tips, CO₂ and lighting requirements, and compatibility with Indian aquariums. If you’re searching for the ideal Helanthium tenellum Micro carpet or Helanthium tenellum Micro foreground plant, this is the only guide you’ll need.
1. Basic Information
- Trade Name: Micro Chain Sword, Helanthium Micro
- Scientific Name: Helanthium tenellum ‘Micro’
- Common Names: Dwarf Chain Sword (Micro), Micro Sword Plant
2. Botanical Profile of Helanthium tenellum ‘Micro’
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Helanthium
- Species: tenellum
- Etymology:
- Helanthium = “Marsh flower”
- Tenellum = “Delicate” or “Slender” in Latin
- Endemic Region / Origin: North and Central America
- Natural Habitat: Flooded plains, riverbanks, and slow-moving freshwater zones
- Growth Habit: Spreads via runners, forming short grassy carpets
- Leaf Description: Thin, bright green blades 2–5 cm in height; denser and more compact than standard H. tenellum
3. Aquarium Suitability of Helanthium tenellum Micro
- Ideal Placement in Aquascape: Foreground or low midground
- Compatible Aquascaping Styles:
- Iwagumi (natural flowing carpets)
- Nature Aquarium (soft layer beneath hardscape)
- Dutch (as a contrasting texture in plant groups)
- Jungle setups and nano tanks
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- CO₂ Requirement: Low to moderate; grows faster and denser with CO₂
- Lighting Needs: Medium to high
- Nutrient Requirements: Prefers enriched substrate and root fertilization
- Temperature Range: 20°C – 28°C
- pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
- GH/KH Preference: GH 3–10, KH 2–6
- Substrate Requirement: Fine or nutrient-rich substrates promote healthy runners
4. Planting Tips for Helanthium tenellum Micro
For Tissue Culture Format (Tissue culture Helanthium tenellum Micro):
- Rinse off all gel medium under dechlorinated water
- Divide into 10–15 mini plugs using aquascaping scissors
- Plant shallowly using tweezers at 2–3 cm intervals
- Keep water flow minimal for 7–10 days to allow rooting
For Emersed Format:
- Trim yellowing leaves before planting
- Remove rockwool and rinse roots gently
- Plant directly into the substrate with minimal covering over the root base
- May melt slightly; new growth typically appears within 7–14 days
5. Care & Maintenance of Helanthium tenellum Micro
Maintenance Tips:
- Trim older vertical shoots to encourage horizontal runners
- Clean dead leaves regularly to prevent algae
- Supplement with root tabs or nutrient substrate for faster spread
Trimming Frequency:
Every 2–4 weeks depending on growth density
Common Issues & Prevention:
- Slow carpeting in low light tanks: Increase intensity or add CO₂
- Melting after planting: Normal — new leaves replace melted ones
- Algae on leaves: Maintain stable nutrient and CO₂ levels
Tissue Culture Transition Tips:
- Begin with medium light and stable conditions
- Avoid strong water flow in the first week
- Add potassium and iron for strong root development
Melting Risk After Planting?:
Low; initial melt is mild and self-recovering
How Long Before Visible Growth?:
10–14 days with CO₂; 3–4 weeks in low-tech setups
6. Compatibility & Use of Helanthium tenellum Micro in Aquascapes
- Safe for Shrimp? ✅ Yes
- Can be Used in Emersed Setups? ✅ Yes (great for paludariums, Wabi-Kusa)
- Can Be Grown in Terrariums/Paludariums? ✅ Yes with moist conditions
- Ideal for: Beginners and intermediate aquascapers
- Plant Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best With Other Plants:
- Eleocharis parvula
- Micranthemum tweediei (Monte Carlo)
- Cryptocoryne parva
- Best With Fish/Shrimp:
- Dwarf rasboras
- Cherry shrimp
- Otocinclus
7. Plant History & Interesting Facts about Helanthium tenellum Micro
- A compact cultivar of Helanthium tenellum, selectively bred for small leaf size
- Frequently used as a dwarf chain sword alternative
- One of the best carpeting plants for beginners, especially in nano tanks
- Performs well in both CO₂-injected and low light tanks with slow but steady growth
8. Quality & Trust Emphasis (Aqua Matsya Signature Section)
What Makes This an Aqua Matsya Choice:
- Produced in sterile TC cups and clean emersed formats
- Verified for consistent results in Indian water conditions
- Perfect for aquarists looking to buy Helanthium tenellum Micro in India
Hobbyist Trust Indicators:
💚 Pest- and algae-free
💧 Available in both emersed and tissue culture options
🌱 Ideal for nano tanks and CO₂-free setups