Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) Care Guide
A grass-like foreground plant with flat narrow leaves that slowly spreads to form a dense lawn. More tolerant of low-light conditions than most carpet plants, though growth will be slower without CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is an aquatic plant in the family Apiaceae. A grass-like foreground plant with flat narrow leaves that slowly spreads to form a dense lawn. More tolerant of low-light conditions than most carpet plants, though growth will be slower without CO2.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apiaceae
- Genus: Lilaeopsis
- Scientific name: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
- Other names: Brazilian Micro Sword
Habitat
Native to southern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, growing along the margins of slow streams and seasonally flooded grasslands. Belongs to the family Apiaceae (carrots and umbellifers); spreads by runners and tolerates light brackish conditions.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 20-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: foreground
- Maximum height: 7 cm
- Trim every: 14 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by runners (daughter plants on horizontal stolons).
How to Propagate Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Overview
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, the Brazilian micro sword, is a grass-like foreground plant from South America with pale green leaves on short stems. It reaches only about 4-7 cm tall and slowly spreads to form a dense lawn, making it a favourite for foreground carpets.
Propagation Method (Runners / Division)
The plant sends out horizontal runners (stolons) that creep through the substrate and sprout new grassy shoots, gradually filling open areas. To propagate, you divide the established mat into smaller plugs, each holding a cluster of leaves with roots and a section of runner, and replant them across the substrate.
Step-by-Step
- Let the planting establish until runners have spread and formed a connected grassy mat.
- Lift a section of the lawn and gently free the roots and runners from the substrate.
- Split the section into small plugs, each with several blades, roots, and a piece of runner.
- Replant the plugs into nutrient-rich substrate, anchoring the roots so the plugs do not float free.
- Space the plugs a couple of centimetres apart so their runners can reconnect into a continuous lawn.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis grows best with very bright light, which keeps it low and encourages dense lateral spread. It is more tolerant of lower light than most carpet plants but grows slowly under those conditions. Optimal development depends on tropical temperatures, a nutrient-rich substrate, and supplemental CO2.
Maintenance
Trim the lawn roughly every two weeks to keep it level and remove overgrown or yellowing blades. Periodically divide crowded areas and replant the plugs into thin spots to maintain an even, dense carpet and stimulate fresh runner growth.
Common Challenges
- Slow establishment: mat formation takes time, so expect weeks before runners knit together.
- Thin or leggy growth: usually a sign of insufficient light; increase intensity.
- Floating plugs: ensure roots are firmly anchored when replanting divided sections.