Marsilea Hirsuta (Marsilea hirsuta) Care Guide

An undemanding carpeting plant that produces clover-shaped leaves above water but single-lobed leaves when submerged.

Overview

Marsilea hirsuta is an aquatic plant in the family Marsileaceae. An undemanding carpeting plant that produces clover-shaped leaves above water but single-lobed leaves when submerged. One of the easiest carpet plants to grow, thriving even without CO2 in moderate lighting.

Taxonomy

• Family: Marsileaceae
• Genus: Marsilea
• Scientific name: Marsilea hirsuta
• Other names: Dwarf Four Leaf Clover

Habitat

Native to Australia, where it grows as a creeping aquatic fern of seasonal wetlands. In aquariums it gradually transitions from emersed four-leaf clover form to single-lobed submerged leaves that form a dense low carpet.

Growth requirements

• Light: low (≈30-50 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: 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).