Marsilea hirsuta

Marsilea hirsuta is a versatile carpeting fern known for its small clover-like leaves and natural, meadow-like growth. Depending on lighting and aquarium conditions, it may produce single-lobed, two-lobed, or four-lobed leaves, giving the foreground a varied and organic texture. Once established, its creeping runners gradually form an attractive low carpet. Divide the tissue culture into small portions and plant them a few centimeters apart in a nutrient-rich substrate. Moderate lighting and consistent fertilization support steady spreading, while added CO₂ encourages faster, denser, and more compact growth. Newly planted portions may temporarily shed emersed leaves while adapting to submerged aquarium conditions. Care Tips Plant small portions across the foreground with space for runners to spread. Provide low to medium lighting; stronger light encourages more compact growth. Use a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root fertilization. CO₂ is optional but recommended for faster carpet formation. Trim taller leaves and thin dense areas to maintain a low, even foreground. Specifications Scientific Name: Marsilea hirsuta Common Name: Dwarf Four Leaf Clover Placement: Foreground Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate Lighting: Low to Medium CO₂: Optional; Recommended for Dense Growth Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C) pH: 6.0–7.5 Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate Propagation: Runners Marsilea hirsuta is an excellent choice for aquascapers seeking a natural-looking carpet with more character and variation than traditional grass-like foreground plants.