Dwarf Water Clover (Marsilea crenata) Care Guide
A popular carpeting fern that is easier to grow than many other carpet plants. Produces small, rounded leaves that stay low to the substrate.
Overview
Marsilea crenata is an aquatic plant in the family Marsileaceae. A popular carpeting fern that is easier to grow than many other carpet plants. Produces small, rounded leaves that stay low to the substrate. Under high light it loses the clover shape and produces single oval leaves, forming a dense, attractive lawn effect.
Taxonomy
- Family: Marsileaceae
- Genus: Marsilea
- Scientific name: Marsilea crenata
- Other names: Marsilea crenata
Habitat
Native to East Java, Indonesia. Used culturally as a culinary herb ("Pecel Semanggi"). In aquaria it produces the smallest leaves of the cultivated Marsilea species, forming a low carpet under bright light.
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: 3-15 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: beginner
Placement
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Trim every: 21 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by runners (daughter plants on horizontal stolons).