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.
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).