Dwarf Sagittaria will grow under a variety of conditions. It does not require CO2 in order to grow, but it does grow much faster with it. This plant is one of few that can tolerate rather hard, alkaline water. Dwarf Sagittaria is fine under moderate light but will thrive with higher lighting. High lighting may bring out some red tones in the leaves. If the plant does not have sufficient iron its leaves will appear sickly and yellow and may need to be treated with iron and other nutrients. Dwarf Sagittaria propagates readily on its own and will produce a thick carpet if left to its own devices. To propagate, pinch off the plant’s runners and plant them into the substrate.
Family Name: Alismataceae
Origin: North/South America
Height: 4-12”
pH: 6.5-7.5
Care: Easy
Light: Moderate
Co2: Not necessary
Propagation: Remove plant runners and place into substrate
Growth rate: Fast
Echinodorus Marble Queen is a rare type of Amazon Sword which green leaves with white markings throughout. Like most swords, they should be planted directly into the substrate. When using inert substrates such as sand or gravel, it is important to supplement the plants with root tabs as Echinodorus are heavy root feeders. The plant can be grown both emersed and submerged and often times, new leaves can grow to the top above the water line. Overall, this plant is easy and undemanding and very suitable for larger tanks.
Height: 6cm
pH: 6-7.5
Care: Easy
Light: Low
Co2: Not Required
Propagation: Separate new plantlets from the root
Growth rate: Slow to Moderate
Echinodorus grisebachii or Echinodorus amazonicus is commonly known as Amazon sword plant, although other plants are also known under this common name.
Glossostigma Elantinoides is a low growing aquatic plant that originates from New Zealand. It is a perfect foreground plant that if given sufficient lighting and nutrients can grow into a thick carpet of green foliage. The leaves are small and round with a beautiful bright green coloration that can nicely offset any neutral toned substrate.
High lighting and Co2 injection is necessary to keep this plant low growing. Vertical growing thin stalks are an indication of lack of lighting while yellowing leaves can mean nutrition deficiency. Thin leaves can also hint at a lack of Co2. This plant can grow quickly and require regular trimming when kept under proper conditions.
This plant can grow submerged or emersed in dry start aquariums and Wabi Kusa. Because this plant is small with tiny roots, it can prove difficult to keep planted into the substrate. In this case, dry start can help by allowing time for the roots to anchor into the substrate before flooding the tank.
Height: 1-2”
pH: 6-7.5
Care: Medium to Difficult
Light: Medium to High
Co2: Required
Propagation: Cut new growth along with roots
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
Formally known as Hemianthus Callitrichoides, Micranthemum Callitrichoides is the epitome of carpet plants. This is one of the smallest aquatic plants available and just the right flora for creating that lush foreground seen in many stunning aquascapes. When grown in Iwagumi layouts, the vast fields of green can have a captivating effect on any audience.
Dwarf Baby Tears or HC can grow submerged or emersed in dry start aquariums and Wabi Kusa. Because this plant is small with tiny roots, it can prove difficult to keep planted into the substrate. In this case, dry start can help by allowing time for the roots to anchor into the substrate before flooding the tank.
Although some have had success growing HC in smaller tanks using liquid carbon such as Excel, this species requires Co2 injection to truly thrive. It can be quite difficult to grow lush, thick carpets for sustained periods of time without Co2, and fertilization is recommended. To maintain a nice foreground
Height: 1-2”
pH: 6-7.5
Care: Medium to Difficult
Light: Medium to High
Co2: Required
Propagation: Cut new growth along with roots
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
Hydrocotyle Japan was made famous from frequent usage by famous aquascapers such as Takashi Amano. It is characterized by its clover-like leaves which can grow into compact bushes of green. This plant is versatile and can be used in the foreground, midground or background. It is undemanding and grows fast, often out-competing and overgrowing the tank if left untrimmed. By frequently trimming new growth and using high light with CO2, the plant can stay low growing and create a carpeting effect over the foreground.
Propagate by trimming stems and replanting on pulling apart dense clumps and splitting the roots. New shoots can be trimmed anywhere along the stem which allows the plant to grow thicker and more compact.
Height: 5-10"
pH: 6.5-7.5
Care: Easy to Moderate
Light: Medium
Co2: Required
Propagation: Cut stem and replant
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
