Marsilea hirsuta - An easy-to-maintain natural carpet
Marsilea hirsuta from Tropica is a grassy plant ideal for the foreground of your aquarium . Native to Australia, this aquatic fern is perfect for creating a dense and natural green carpet. It seduces with its varied leaves ranging from clover-shaped to mini Glossostigma appearances depending on the conditions. Easy to live with, it grows slowly, remains low (between 3 and 10 cm ) and can do without CO2. It is therefore perfect for beginners as well as for experienced aquascapers. Marsilea hirsuta establishes quickly via its runners and requires little care. Its in vitro format ensures a plantation without algae or parasites for a quick recovery in your tank.
Marsilea hirsuta is a small aquatic fern belonging to the Marsileaceae family. In aquariums, it remains permanently submerged , unlike its cousin Marsilea quadrifolia. This plant grows wild in marshes, floodplains and the edges of Australian billabongs. It has also been introduced to certain warm regions of Europe and North America, such as Florida, where it has sometimes become invasive. In aquariums, its leaves take on very varied shapes depending on the conditions, which gives it a strong decorative value . Its creeping rhizome regularly produces new shoots, allowing the plant to quickly colonize the space around it.
Simple needs for regular growth
In terms of requirements, Marsilea hirsuta is very tolerant. It thrives in soft to medium-hard water (GH 2 to 17), with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Its temperature range is very wide: from 12 to 28°C , with a preference for water between 22 and 24°C. It adapts equally well to a low-flow filter as to a more advanced system. It accepts low to moderate light, although stronger lighting helps keep the plant more compact and encourages the appearance of more varied leaf shapes. It grows more slowly in low light and can then seek to gain height.
Substrate, fertilizer and CO2: what you need to know
Although this plant does not require a CO2 system to survive, its growth will be denser and faster if you use one. The same goes for nutrients : light to moderate fertilization (liquid fertilizer or root capsules) helps to enhance the green color and density of the carpet. It appreciates a nutritious substrate , although it can also be planted in aquarium sand or fine gravel (2-3 mm grain size). Make sure the soil is at least 2 cm deep to anchor the rhizomes well.
Simple and quick planting, even in DSM
Marsilea hirsuta is often offered in an in vitro version, in a nutrient gel. Before planting, simply rinse this gel under lukewarm water, then divide the plant into 5 to 10 portions . Each seedling is planted with a clamp about 1 cm apart, slightly inclined, taking care not to damage the roots. It can be planted using the classic method (direct immersion) or via a Dry Start Method (DSM) , which is very effective in ensuring strong recovery before submersion. In this case, the plant grows for a few weeks in the open air in a closed container, then it is gently filled with water once the leaves are well established.
Slow but steady growth, without stress
Marsilea hirsuta grows quietly: you won't need to prune every week. A monthly or bimonthly pruning is generally enough to keep the carpet tidy. When it becomes too dense, simply cut the ends with scissors and remove them with a net. Don't panic if some leaves turn yellow shortly after planting: this is a normal adaptation process. They will soon be replaced by more robust, bright green leaves. Remember to maintain water quality, clean the filter regularly, and perform weekly water changes.
A plant compatible with most aquariums
It is suitable for tanks from 20 L, but reveals its full potential in aquariums of 40 L or more. In a nano-aquarium, it becomes a superb miniature backdrop. It can also be used in a paludarium or humid aqua-terrarium. Thanks to its non-invasive behavior and low maintenance requirements, it integrates seamlessly into all types of decor, alongside an aquarium root or natural rock . And if you are looking for an alternative to classic grasses like Glosso or Monte Carlo, Marsilea hirsuta is a safe, original, and often more resistant choice.
A species that is now essential in aquascaping
Despite its discreet marketing in the 1980s, Marsilea hirsuta is today a star in the world of aquascaping. Easy to maintain, pretty, and adaptable, it ticks all the boxes. It is particularly appreciated for its clover-shaped leaves, which give a poetic and natural look to the aquarium. Far from being banal, this plant knows how to stand out for its finesse and diversity. It requires no advanced knowledge to successfully grow it. A little patience, good lighting, and a boost of bacteria to kick-start the cycle will provide you with a living, soft, and carpeted soil.
Flexible air diffuser usable in fresh water and sea water allowing to create a curtain of air bubbles in the aquarium. Connects to all air pumps. Connection for 4/6 mm hose.
Flexible air diffuser usable in fresh water and sea water allowing to create a curtain of air bubbles in the aquarium. Connects to all air pumps. Connection for 4/6 mm hose.
Hydrocotyle tripartita - A fast and attractive lawn plant
Hydrocotyle tripartita is an aquarium plant of Asian origin that stands out for its rapid growth and ability to form a dense vegetation mat. With its small, bright green leaves and creeping stems, it is perfect for aquascaping and planted aquariums. Very easy to maintain, it requires powerful lighting and a good supply of CO2 to reach its full potential.
Fast turfing effect: Ideal for covering the aquarium floor.
Easy to grow: Excellent adaptation, even in shallow water.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
Hygrophila pinnatifida - A colorful and easy aquarium plant
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a unique aquatic plant distinguished by its copper, green, and burgundy foliage. Perfect for decorating the background of an aquarium, it clings naturally to roots and rocks, creating a natural and lush setting. With moderate growth , it remains compact if regularly pruned and provided with good lighting . It is ideal for aquarists of all levels, from beginners to experts wishing to perfect an elegant and refined aquatic landscape.
Eriocaulon cinereum – An original and elegant plant for your aquarium
Eriocaulon cinereum is a rare and fascinating aquatic plant, ideal for enhancing an aquarium. With its foliage in the form of fine green tips , it resembles a small miniature palm tree. Produced through in vitro culture, it is free of algae and parasites, guaranteeing a healthy introduction into your tank. Very popular in aquascaping, it is distinguished by its ability to flower under good conditions, offering a unique spectacle. To flourish, it requires intense lighting , a good supply of CO2 system and a soil rich in nutrients . Easy to integrate, it brings a touch of originality and naturalness to your aquatic decor.
Rare and aesthetic plant : Cushion-shaped foliage and unique flowering
Ideal for aquascaping : Perfect in the foreground or background
Easy to acclimatize : From in vitro culture, without parasites or algae
Micranthemum Monte Carlo - The ideal plant for a lush carpet
Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo' is a ground cover aquarium plant that forms a dense, lush carpet in the foreground of the tank. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its light green, rounded, and very compact foliage , perfect for creating a natural plant substrate. Easy to maintain, it thrives with good lighting and a moderate CO2 system . This versatile plant can be grown in a "dry start" to encourage its rooting before immersion. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it enhances any type of aquarium by adding a natural and harmonious touch.
Creates a dense plant carpet for a spectacular aquascaping effect.
Easy to care for with regular pruning to prevent suffocation.
Compatible with various conditions , even under moderate lighting.
Staurogyne repens - A compact and robust aquarium plant
Staurogyne repens is a compact and resilient aquatic plant, ideal for the foreground of your aquarium. Native to the Rio Cristalino in Brazil, this plant forms a dense, low bush thanks to its small, bright green leaves. It grows slowly and adapts easily to different aquatic environments. Its maintenance is simple: with medium light and a moderate supply of CO2, it flourishes effortlessly. Perfect for aquascaping , it creates a superb plant carpet that will enhance your natural decor. Grown in vitro, it guarantees a healthy and pest-free introduction to your aquarium.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis - A dense, natural turf plant
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a turf-like aquatic plant native to South America. It is perfect for creating a dense, natural-looking plant cover in the foreground of an aquarium. With its slow but robust growth, it adapts equally well to aquariums and outdoor ponds. It thrives in bright lighting and CO2 to accelerate its growth and achieve a truly turf-like effect.
Natural grass effect: Ideal for aquascaping and foreground.
Suitable for aquariums and ponds: Supports complete or partial immersion.
Easy to maintain: Slow but robust growth, requires little pruning.
Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas Moss' - An ideal moss for aquascaping
Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas Moss' , nicknamed Christmas Moss , is a popular aquatic moss in aquariums. Its dense, branched foliage gives it the appearance of small fir trees, perfect for covering rocks and roots in aquariums . Undemanding, it attaches easily and grows slowly, creating a natural carpet ideal for shrimp and small fish. To optimize its growth, good lighting is recommended.
Unique appearance: Fir-shaped foliage, ideal for aquascaping.
Easy to fix: Grows on rocks and roots.
Undemanding: Adapts to different water parameters.
Hydrocotyle tripartita - A fast and attractive lawn plant
Hydrocotyle tripartita is an aquarium plant of Asian origin that stands out for its rapid growth and ability to form a dense vegetation mat. With its small, bright green leaves and creeping stems, it is perfect for aquascaping and planted aquariums. Very easy to maintain, it requires powerful lighting and a good supply of CO2 to reach its full potential.
Fast turfing effect: Ideal for covering the aquarium floor.
Easy to grow: Excellent adaptation, even in shallow water.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
Hygrophila pinnatifida - A colorful and easy aquarium plant
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a unique aquatic plant distinguished by its copper, green, and burgundy foliage. Perfect for decorating the background of an aquarium, it clings naturally to roots and rocks, creating a natural and lush setting. With moderate growth , it remains compact if regularly pruned and provided with good lighting . It is ideal for aquarists of all levels, from beginners to experts wishing to perfect an elegant and refined aquatic landscape.
Eriocaulon cinereum – An original and elegant plant for your aquarium
Eriocaulon cinereum is a rare and fascinating aquatic plant, ideal for enhancing an aquarium. With its foliage in the form of fine green tips , it resembles a small miniature palm tree. Produced through in vitro culture, it is free of algae and parasites, guaranteeing a healthy introduction into your tank. Very popular in aquascaping, it is distinguished by its ability to flower under good conditions, offering a unique spectacle. To flourish, it requires intense lighting , a good supply of CO2 system and a soil rich in nutrients . Easy to integrate, it brings a touch of originality and naturalness to your aquatic decor.
Rare and aesthetic plant : Cushion-shaped foliage and unique flowering
Ideal for aquascaping : Perfect in the foreground or background
Easy to acclimatize : From in vitro culture, without parasites or algae
Micranthemum Monte Carlo - The ideal plant for a lush carpet
Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo' is a ground cover aquarium plant that forms a dense, lush carpet in the foreground of the tank. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its light green, rounded, and very compact foliage , perfect for creating a natural plant substrate. Easy to maintain, it thrives with good lighting and a moderate CO2 system . This versatile plant can be grown in a "dry start" to encourage its rooting before immersion. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it enhances any type of aquarium by adding a natural and harmonious touch.
Creates a dense plant carpet for a spectacular aquascaping effect.
Easy to care for with regular pruning to prevent suffocation.
Compatible with various conditions , even under moderate lighting.
Staurogyne repens - A compact and robust aquarium plant
Staurogyne repens is a compact and resilient aquatic plant, ideal for the foreground of your aquarium. Native to the Rio Cristalino in Brazil, this plant forms a dense, low bush thanks to its small, bright green leaves. It grows slowly and adapts easily to different aquatic environments. Its maintenance is simple: with medium light and a moderate supply of CO2, it flourishes effortlessly. Perfect for aquascaping , it creates a superb plant carpet that will enhance your natural decor. Grown in vitro, it guarantees a healthy and pest-free introduction to your aquarium.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis - A dense, natural turf plant
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a turf-like aquatic plant native to South America. It is perfect for creating a dense, natural-looking plant cover in the foreground of an aquarium. With its slow but robust growth, it adapts equally well to aquariums and outdoor ponds. It thrives in bright lighting and CO2 to accelerate its growth and achieve a truly turf-like effect.
Natural grass effect: Ideal for aquascaping and foreground.
Suitable for aquariums and ponds: Supports complete or partial immersion.
Easy to maintain: Slow but robust growth, requires little pruning.
Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas Moss' - An ideal moss for aquascaping
Vesicularia montagnei 'Christmas Moss' , nicknamed Christmas Moss , is a popular aquatic moss in aquariums. Its dense, branched foliage gives it the appearance of small fir trees, perfect for covering rocks and roots in aquariums . Undemanding, it attaches easily and grows slowly, creating a natural carpet ideal for shrimp and small fish. To optimize its growth, good lighting is recommended.
Unique appearance: Fir-shaped foliage, ideal for aquascaping.
Easy to fix: Grows on rocks and roots.
Undemanding: Adapts to different water parameters.
Hydrocotyle tripartita - A fast and attractive lawn plant
Hydrocotyle tripartita is an aquarium plant of Asian origin that stands out for its rapid growth and ability to form a dense vegetation mat. With its small, bright green leaves and creeping stems, it is perfect for aquascaping and planted aquariums. Very easy to maintain, it requires powerful lighting and a good supply of CO2 to reach its full potential.
Fast turfing effect: Ideal for covering the aquarium floor.
Easy to grow: Excellent adaptation, even in shallow water.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
Hygrophila pinnatifida - A colorful and easy aquarium plant
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a unique aquatic plant distinguished by its copper, green, and burgundy foliage. Perfect for decorating the background of an aquarium, it clings naturally to roots and rocks, creating a natural and lush setting. With moderate growth , it remains compact if regularly pruned and provided with good lighting . It is ideal for aquarists of all levels, from beginners to experts wishing to perfect an elegant and refined aquatic landscape.
Eriocaulon cinereum – An original and elegant plant for your aquarium
Eriocaulon cinereum is a rare and fascinating aquatic plant, ideal for enhancing an aquarium. With its foliage in the form of fine green tips , it resembles a small miniature palm tree. Produced through in vitro culture, it is free of algae and parasites, guaranteeing a healthy introduction into your tank. Very popular in aquascaping, it is distinguished by its ability to flower under good conditions, offering a unique spectacle. To flourish, it requires intense lighting , a good supply of CO2 system and a soil rich in nutrients . Easy to integrate, it brings a touch of originality and naturalness to your aquatic decor.
Rare and aesthetic plant : Cushion-shaped foliage and unique flowering
Ideal for aquascaping : Perfect in the foreground or background
Easy to acclimatize : From in vitro culture, without parasites or algae
