Helanthium bolivianum 'Angustifolius'

Plant overview

For midground and background planting, Helanthium bolivianum 'Angustifolius' grows as a rosette plant. Its profile combines easy care, medium light, recommended CO₂.

Helanthium bolivianum 'Angustifolius' suits water with temperature 10–30 °C, pH 5–7.5, KH 0–14 °dKH, CO₂ 1–4 mg/L.

About this plant

Helanthium bolivianum 'Angustifolius', formerly Echinodorus angustifolius, is a tall runner-forming sword plant probably originating from Mato Grosso in Brazil. Its submerged leaves are only about 3 to 4 mm wide but commonly reach 50 cm and can exceed 60 cm, so this is not the small lawn-forming plant sometimes sold under a similar name. Young daughter plants may appear at around 20 cm and quickly extend into the middle or background. The species is easy and spreads rapidly through long runners, which need regular control in smaller aquariums. Medium light is sufficient, while stronger light and added carbon dioxide encourage faster, more compact growth. Pale new leaves can indicate a shortage of iron or other trace elements. Plant the rosettes with the crown above the substrate and separate unwanted runners before they form a dense chain. Its narrow, flowing leaves provide a Vallisneria-like effect with the growth pattern of a runner-forming Helanthium.