Four-Leaf Clover care guide
Four-Leaf Clover (Marsilea quadrifolia 'Clover') — low light, 18-26 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Four-Leaf Clover (Marsilea quadrifolia 'Clover') is an aquatic plant of the family Marsileaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. Aquatic fern that produces tiny four-lobed leaves resembling clover when grown submerged at low light. Slow but very hardy carpet plant; doesn't require CO2 to establish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Marsileaceae
- Genus: Marsilea
- Scientific name: Marsilea quadrifolia 'Clover'
- Common synonyms: European Water Clover
Habitat
Marsilea is a cosmopolitan genus of small aquatic ferns (Marsileaceae) found in shallow ponds, paddies and ditches. The four-lobed leaves resemble clover. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Europe.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 6 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: foreground carpet
Placement
Foreground carpet; submersed plants typically develop simpler one- or two-lobed leaves smaller than the emersed clover form. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground as a carpet under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagates by creeping rhizome and runners; sections with at least one frond and a root cluster establish quickly in nutrient-rich substrate. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Transition from emersed to submersed growth is slow and may take several months; brighter light and patience produce the dense carpet.