Sagittaria subulata 'Brazil' Care Guide
Sagittaria subulata 'Brazil' is a small dwarf-sag locality form with narrow leaves that works as a transition foreground-to-midground plant.
Overview
Sagittaria subulata, known in the hobby as dwarf sag, is an adaptable grass-like aquatic plant of the family Alismataceae. The 'Brazil' selection is a locality form with narrower, shorter leaves than the standard dwarf sag, making it useful as a transition between foreground and midground.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Sagittaria
- Scientific name: Sagittaria subulata 'Brazil'
- Common name: dwarf sagittaria
Habitat
Sagittaria subulata is native to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, reported from North America and parts of South America. It grows mainly along the sea coast in brackish marshes and estuaries, and also occurs in some freshwater streams and ponds.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 4-16 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Placement: foreground to midground
- Maximum height: about 12 cm
Low to medium light is generally sufficient, but moderate light encourages faster growth and denser coverage. Without enough light the plant will not spread horizontally into a carpet. It benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate as it absorbs most nutrients through its roots.
Care and growth
Growth rate is fast and the species is highly adaptable, suited to a range of conditions with minimal care. It tolerates both soft and harder water and is considered beginner-friendly.
Propagation
Sagittaria subulata propagates naturally by runners. Once established it sends out horizontal shoots bearing plantlets at intervals; these can be left to form a dense lawn or trimmed and replanted to control layout.