Dwarf Chain Sword

Description

Grass-like carpeting plant Easy to grow Spreads quickly Dwarf chain sword or pygmy chain sword is one of the easiest carpeting plants. It grows to about 4 inches tall and has a grassy appearance. It thrives in medium lighting with lots of nutrients in the substrate and will fill in pretty quickly once it gets established. Scientific Name: Helanthium tenellum (previously Echinodorus tenellus ) Native To: North, Central, and South America Skill Level: Easy Placement: Foreground to Midground Recommended Light: Medium Light 20-35 PAR (click to see our PAR chart) CO 2 Requirement: None Preferred Fertilizer: Easy Root Tabs and Easy Green liquid fertilizer Propagation : Spreads via runners across the ground ***Being a natural product, sizes can vary from what is shown.*** How to Plant Pygmy Chain Sword in Gravel 1. Remove the potted plant from plastic basket, and split the rock wool in half. 2. Carefully remove the plant roots from the rock wool, and make sure to remove all the small, yellow fertilizer balls. Wash off any remaining debris, and gently separate the plant into multiple small clumps if possible. 3. Use planting tweezers or your fingers to push the roots of the sword deeply into the substrate until they are completely buried. Pull out the plant slightly so that the crown (i.e., the base of the plant where all the leaves come out) is not covered with substrate. 4. If the plant keeps popping out of the ground, try inserting the plant at an angle or wrap a plant weight at the bottom of the plant to keep it anchored. 5. Make sure to add lots of root tabs if you’re using inert substrate or if your nutrient-rich substrate is depleted. How to Care for Dwarf Chain Sword — Pygmy chain sword care is very easy, so start by using medium lighting between 20-35 PAR. — Why is my new sword plant melting? Sword plants are sometimes known to experience melting when they suddenly move to a new environment. To help the plant recover faster and grow new leaves that are accustomed to your water parameters, leave the roots planted in the ground and make sure to provide nutrient-rich planted tank substrate or Easy Root Tabs . — Why is my dwarf chain sword turning brown after it was growing so well? Sword plants absorb lots of nutrients from the ground, so it may be a nutrient deficiency. If the leaves are yellowing or turning pale after a couple of months, please add more root tabs . — How to trim pygmy chain sword: If the sword plant has dying or melting leaves, cut them off at the base of the leaf. If you wish to prune your dwarf chain sword carpet to look like a field of grass, use curved scissors to cut all of the leaves to an even height, much like mowing a lawn. How to Propagate Dwarf Chain Sword Once it becomes well-established, pygmy chain sword self-propagates by sending out runners all across the substrate, which can quickly provide ground cover for an entire aquarium. The new baby plants can be trimmed off and replanted or left to grow out naturally.

Specifications

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Dwarf Chain Sword worth the price?

A: Yes, the Dwarf Chain Sword is considered a budget-friendly option, priced at $7.99 USD. It is highly regarded as one of the easiest carpeting plants for aquariums, known for its quick spreading capabilities and grassy, aesthetic appearance that grows to approximately 4 inches in height.

Q: Is the Dwarf Chain Sword good for beginners?

A: Yes, the Dwarf Chain Sword is an easy plant to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It requires medium lighting between 20-35 PAR and thrives with nutrient-rich substrate, but it has no CO2 requirements, allowing it to establish itself quickly in a home aquarium.

Q: How do you use or plant Dwarf Chain Sword?

A: To plant, remove the plant from the pot, split the rock wool, and wash off debris. Use tweezers to bury the roots deeply into the substrate, ensuring the crown remains above the surface. If the plant floats, insert it at an angle or use a plant weight to anchor it.

Q: What is the height of the Dwarf Chain Sword?

A: The Dwarf Chain Sword, also known as the pygmy chain sword, typically reaches a growth height of about 4 inches tall. It functions effectively as a carpeting plant in the foreground or midground of an aquarium, spreading quickly across the substrate via natural runners.

Q: Does the Dwarf Chain Sword need CO2?

A: No, the Dwarf Chain Sword does not have a CO2 requirement. It is a hardy plant that thrives in medium lighting (20-35 PAR) and prefers nutrient-rich conditions provided by Easy Root Tabs and Easy Green liquid fertilizer to support its quick growth and spread.

Q: Why is my Dwarf Chain Sword turning brown?

A: If your Dwarf Chain Sword is turning brown or pale after a few months, it likely has a nutrient deficiency, as these plants absorb significant nutrients from the ground. You should add more Easy Root Tabs to the substrate to restore proper nutrient levels for the plant.

Q: How do you propagate Dwarf Chain Sword?

A: The Dwarf Chain Sword propagates naturally once established by sending out runners across the substrate to create ground cover. You can leave these baby plants to grow naturally or trim them off the runners and replant them in other areas of your aquarium to expand your carpet.

Q: Where should I place Dwarf Chain Sword in my tank?

A: Dwarf Chain Sword is best suited for placement in the foreground or midground of your aquarium. Due to its 4-inch height and ability to spread quickly via runners, it acts as an excellent carpeting plant that can fill in to look like a lush field of grass.