Ideal for Iwagumi, Nature Aquarium, and nano aquascapes
Its compact growth creates natural-looking foreground carpets around stones.
Suitable for beginner and intermediate planted tanks
It adapts well to many aquarium environments.
Distinctive clover-shaped leaves
The small foliage gives aquascapes a unique meadow-like appearance.
Gradually spreads across the substrate
Over time the plant forms natural foreground coverage.
Creates open and natural foreground spaces
Low growth keeps rocks and hardscape visually prominent.
Origin: Australia
Type: Carpeting plant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Size: Height: 2–10 cm (1–4 in) Width: Spreads across substrate
Natural Habitat: Marsilea species grow in shallow wetlands, seasonal ponds, and slow streams where the substrate remains moist for long periods.
Special Considerations: Moderate lighting encourages low carpet growth. Under lower light conditions, the plant may grow taller leaves instead of forming a tight carpet.
Did You Know?
Marsilea belongs to a group of aquatic water ferns, not flowering plants. Its leaves sometimes resemble four-leaf clovers, which often surprises aquarists who assume it is related to clover plants.
Tank Size: Suitable for aquariums 20 L (5 gallons) or larger, including nano tanks.
Plant Placement: Usually used as a foreground carpeting plant, forming small clover-like leaves across the substrate. It pairs well with midground plants such as Anubias barteri and Bacopa caroliniana, while background stems like Rotala nanjenshan or Ludwigia repens help complete the layered aquascape.
Compatibility: Very suitable for planted aquariums with celestial pearl danios, chili rasboras, Corydoras catfish, shrimp, and snails. Shrimp colonies such as Neocaridina shrimp and Amano shrimp often forage among the small leaves, while bottom fish like Corydoras appreciate the soft carpeted areas for exploring.
Substrate: Grows well in most aquarium substrates including sand, gravel, or planted soil. While nutrient-rich substrates promote faster growth, plants can also thrive in inert substrates when supplemented with root fertilizers such as Osmocote Fertilizer Capsules or liquid fertilizers to maintain balanced nutrition.
Light: Moderate lighting (30–60 PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH)
CO₂: Optional but promotes faster spreading.
Care & Propagation: Spreads through runners across the substrate. Trim excess growth to maintain a tidy carpet.
Portion Size 1 plastic cup portion (3.25 oz) filled with healthy Marsilea hirsuta plants. This portion can typically cover several small foreground areas and will gradually spread as the plants grow.
Plant Size Individual plants are typically 2–5 cm (1–2 in) tall depending on growth stage.
Plant Type Foreground carpeting plant suitable for planting directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe
Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping
Some leaves may change shape or melt slightly as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. New submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the plants from the plastic cup and rinse gently with clean water.
- 2.Separate the plants into small individual portions.
- 3.Using tweezers, plant each portion shallowly into the substrate.
- 4.Leave small spacing between portions to allow the carpet to spread naturally.
- 5.Over time the plants will send runners and form a low foreground carpet.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set make planting small carpet plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
