DIFFICULTY Easy

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Low

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Marsilea Hirsuta

A hardy, clover-like fern that makes a great low-tech carpet.

Marsilea hirsuta is a fantastic alternative to demanding carpets like Glosso. It grows slowly but requires very little light or CO2.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementForeground
Typical height1–3 in
Typical width2 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height5 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightLow
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR15–60
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitLow
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingLow
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandLow
MicronutrientsLow
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–15 dGH
KH2–12 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Fine substrate

Bury runners slightly.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners

Acclimation

May melt emersed leaves.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Very slow to spread.