Dwarf four-leaf clover

Quick facts

Max height

8 cm

Growth rate

slow

Difficulty

beginner

Placement

foreground

Propagation

runners

Water parameters

Temperature

18–28°C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Hardness

0 to 15 dGH

Cold water

tolerated (unheated setups)

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

nutrient preferred

Feeding

feeds from both water column and roots (liquid ferts plus root tabs)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

safe with plant-eating fish (tough leaves or unpalatable)

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

may get uprooted by active diggers

Root-disturbing fish

tolerates fish that disturb roots

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.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean