🌿 All About Helanthium tenellum 'Broad Leaf' – Growow TC Plant

(Formerly known as Echinodorus tenellus 'Broad Leaf')

Helanthium tenellum 'Broad Leaf' is a beautiful foreground or midground aquatic plant known for its slightly wider, sword-like leaves compared to its ‘Micro’ variant. It brings a lush, natural meadow look to planted aquariums and is an excellent choice for aquascapers aiming for a denser carpet with a more textured appearance.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Helanthium tenellum ‘Broad Leaf’

• Common Name: Tenellus Broad Leaf, Broad Leaf Chain Sword

• Family: Alismataceae

• Origin: North America (cultivated variant)

• Plant Type: Rosette, carpeting groundcover

🌱 Plant Characteristics

• Height: 5–10 cm

• Growth Form: Spreads via runners (horizontal propagation)

• Leaf Shape: Broad, flat, and longer than the 'Micro' variety

• Color: Bright to dark green (reddish hues under strong light)

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in optimal conditions

💧 Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Medium to high (strong lighting helps in compact growth)

• CO₂: Beneficial for faster, denser growth but not mandatory

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for root feeding

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 20–28°C

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to medium

🌟 Growow Tissue Culture Cup Benefits

• Free from algae, pests, and snails

• Clean, healthy roots and leaves

• Ideal for fresh, disease-free planting

• Excellent success rate when properly acclimated

✂️ Care & Tips

• Split tissue culture into small portions before planting

• Trim older leaves to encourage new, low growth

• Avoid shading from taller plants

• Use root tabs or enriched substrates for better growth

🐠 Aquascaping Use

• Suitable for foreground to midground areas

• Pairs well with driftwood, stones, and carpeting plants

• Great for natural and Iwagumi-style layouts

• Adds a grassy, wavy movement to tanks with gentle flow

✅ Why Choose 'Broad Leaf' Tenellus?

• Grows into a lush green carpet with broader leaf texture

• Hardier and easier to maintain than some finer carpeting plants

• Ideal for both beginners and pros

• Visually contrasts well with smaller-leaved carpets like HC or Eleocharis

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure proper spacing during planting to allow healthy runner development and even carpeting.