🌿 Overview

Marsilea sp. ‘Dwarf’ is a creeping aquatic plant native to Asia and South America. Known for its distinctive clover-shaped leaves, it is ideal for creating unique, low-maintenance carpets in freshwater tanks.

This plant is hardy and beginner-friendly, suitable for low-tech aquariums without CO₂, though growth and density improve significantly in high-light, CO₂-supplemented setups. Its unusual leaf shape makes it a standout in nature-style aquascapes and nano tanks.

🍃 Appearance

• Small, clover-like leaves forming dense carpets
• Height: 1–3 cm
• Spreads horizontally via creeping stems
• Adds a unique, natural look to aquarium foregrounds
• Ideal for nano tanks, aquascapes, and planted community tanks

🌿 Plant Type (Hard/Soft)

• Type: Creeping / carpeting plant
• Category: Soft aquatic plant
• Growth rate: Moderate – faster with CO₂ and high light

🌡️ Ideal Water Temperature

• 20°C – 28°C (68°F – 82°F)
• Adapts well to tropical freshwater conditions

💡 Lighting Conditions

• Moderate to high lighting recommended
• High lighting promotes denser mats and vibrant green coloration
• Low lighting slows growth and may reduce spread

🌿 CO₂ Requirement

• Optional
• CO₂ supplementation accelerates growth, produces denser carpets, and enhances leaf color
• Can survive without CO₂, making it suitable for low-tech tanks

⚗️ Ideal pH Level

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Slightly acidic to neutral water preferred

💧 Other Requirements

• Substrate: Fine-grained, nutrient-rich substrate encourages spreading and rooting
• Fertilization: Benefits from liquid fertilizers and root tabs
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Regular trimming encourages lateral growth and dense coverage
• Stable water conditions support healthy growth

🌱 Propagation

• Propagates via creeping stolons / runners
• New shoots emerge along stems and form carpets over time
• Can be divided and replanted to expand coverage

💡 Do You Know?

Marsilea sp. ‘Dwarf’ is often referred to as the “clover carpet plant” due to its unique leaf shape. It is perfect for aquascapers looking for a distinctive foreground plant, providing both aesthetic appeal and natural hiding places for small fish and shrimp.

🏷️ Plant Category Classification

🟢 Beginner Friendly

✔ Yes – Hardy, low-maintenance, and suitable for low-tech setups

🟢 Non-CO₂ Plant (Low-Tech)

✔ Yes – Can grow without CO₂, though mats form more slowly

🟢 High-Tech Plant

✔ Optional – High lighting and CO₂ produce dense, vibrant carpets