Dwarf four-leaf clover
Marsilea hirsuta
Also known asMarsilea · Water clover · Pepperwort
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: nutrient preferred. Propagation: runners.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to Australia, found in temporary pools, wet meadows, and shallow water across the continent. The species (Marsilea hirsuta) is an aquatic fern that grows from a creeping rhizome, producing small leaves on thin petioles. Emersed leaves are four-lobed, resembling a four-leaf clover. Submerged leaves in the aquarium are typically single-lobed or two-lobed and much smaller (5–10 mm), creating a low, dense carpet. The transition from the clover-like emersed form to the simplified submerged form takes 2-4 weeks after planting. Marsilea species are among the few aquatic ferns used as foreground carpeting plants in aquascaping. The species name 'hirsuta' means hairy, referring to the fine hairs on the emersed leaves. Several Marsilea species are sold in the aquarium trade (M. hirsuta, M. crenata, M. drummondii); M. hirsuta is the most commonly available. All produce similar four-lobed emersed leaves and simplified submerged leaves, making identification difficult without reproductive structures.
Care notes
A moderate carpeting plant that creates a low, clover-like or grass-like foreground depending on light conditions. Under high light with CO2, the submerged leaves stay very short (5–10 mm) and form a tight carpet. Under moderate light without CO2, growth is slower and leaves are slightly larger but still create an attractive low ground cover. Plant small portions from tissue culture cups 2–3 cm apart, pressing rhizome sections into the substrate. The rhizome creeps along the substrate surface, producing new leaves at intervals. Rich substrate and root tabs support growth. Compared to HC Cuba or dwarf hairgrass, Marsilea hirsuta is easier to grow and tolerates lower light and the absence of CO2 better, making it a good carpet option for medium-tech setups. The trade-off is slower carpeting speed and a slightly less dense final result. Temperature: 18–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Growth rate is slow to moderate; patience is needed for the carpet to fill in (6-12 weeks under good conditions). Propagation by rhizome division and natural runner spreading. Trim the carpet by cutting above the rhizome level. A practical carpet choice for keepers who want the look without the extreme demands of HC Cuba.