Marsilea Hirsuta T/C cup

Charming, versatile, and effortlessly natural — Marsilea hirsuta is a popular aquatic fern from Australia that adapts its leaf form to suit its environment, making it one of the most fascinating and rewarding carpeting plants in the freshwater hobby. Submerged, it produces compact, clover-like leaves that hug the substrate and spread steadily via runners to create a lush, low-growing carpet — all without the demanding requirements of many other carpeting plants.

Overview

Appearance

Marsilea hirsuta is a heterophyllous plant — its leaf shape changes depending on conditions. Submerged under high light, it produces single or paired small, rounded leaflets that stay compact and low, forming a dense, clover-like carpet. Under lower light or when transitioning, it may produce the characteristic four-leaflet clover shape. The foliage is a fresh, bright green that contrasts beautifully with darker substrate and hardscape. Unlike many carpeting plants, it does not require CO₂ or intense lighting to spread effectively.

Water Parameters & Care

• Temperature: 64 – 82°F (18 – 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 3 – 15 dGH
• Lighting: Low to high — higher light produces a shorter, denser carpet; lower light results in taller growth
• CO₂: Not required — one of the few true carpeting plants that thrives without CO₂
• Fertiliser: Benefits from root tabs and occasional liquid fertiliser

Planting & Placement

Divide the plant into small portions and press individual nodes firmly into a fine substrate, spacing 2 – 3 cm apart. The plant spreads via horizontal runners that root into the substrate as they grow, gradually filling in to create a seamless carpet. Trim periodically to maintain the desired height and density. Best suited to the foreground of aquariums of any size — particularly effective in nano tanks where its compact form can be fully appreciated.

Compatibility

Compatible with all freshwater fish and invertebrates. Safe for shrimp tanks — the dense carpet provides excellent foraging ground for neocaridina and caridina shrimp. Avoid housing with large digging fish such as cichlids that may uproot the runners. Pairs beautifully with hardscape elements, mosses, and midground plants like Anubias or Bucephalandra.

Marsilea hirsuta is the ideal carpeting plant for aquascapers who want a natural, low-maintenance foreground without the demands of CO₂ injection. Easy to establish, satisfying to watch spread, and beautiful at every stage of growth.