Overview: There are many species of Echinodorus and one of them, suitable for aquariums is Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro'. It is a small and compact aquarium plant also popular as Micro Chain Sword or Dwarf Chain Sword. The miniature size makes it a suitable foreground plant for aquascaping. The delicate and narrow leaves that have grassy appearance make Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' suitable for tanks. Under right water conditions, it grows fast and create dense carpet like look. It is native to South America.
Appearance: Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' has a fine, grass-like appearance, with long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It grows not more than 5 to 10 cm tall and thus, suitable as a foreground plant. When the water parameters are right, the leaves develop slightly reddish or bronze hue at the tips, otherwise typically stay green and vibrant. Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' has compact growth, forming a lush, thick carpet that can spread quickly across the substrate, making it an attractive addition to tanks looking for ground cover or visual texture.
Hard/Soft Plant: Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' is a soft plant, thriving well in soft to moderately hard water. Even though it can withstand slight fluctuations in water parameters, maintaining the right range will keep it healthy and vigorous.
Ideal Water Temperature: The perfect water temperature for Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. This temperature range promotes healthy growth and vibrant green leaves. Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range will encourage faster growth and better overall health.
Lighting Conditions: Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' prefers moderate to high light conditions. It promotes dense and lush green growth. Under low light conditions, the plant may grow slowly and develop less vibrant leaves while, on the other hand, higher lighting intensifies the plant's growth, and the leaves will be more compact and lush.
Ideal pH Level: The right pH range for Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' is between 6 and 7.5.
Other Requirements: This plant flourishes when there is nutrient-rick substrate. Therefore, aquarists must deliver liquid fertilizers or root tabs so that Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' get sufficient nutrients. In the lack of nutrition, the leaves usually turn yellow and plant exhibit slow growth. There is no need of extra carbon dioxide but supplementing will only prove to be beneficial.
Propagation: The best way to propagate Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' is with its side shoots or runners. Runners develop from the base of the main stem that can be separated from the parent plant once they develop roots and replant into the substrate.
Do You Know: Echinodorus Tenellus 'Micro' can be used to give dense carpet like appearance at the bottom of the tank. It can be a great substitution to other carpet plants that are hard to care and maintain.
