Marsilea hirsuta

Marsilea hirsuta is a charming and versatile aquatic fern native to Australia, prized in the aquarium hobby for its distinctive four-leaf clover-like fronds that form a dense, low-growing carpet in the foreground of planted tanks. Remarkably adaptable, it can be grown fully submerged or emersed, and is one of the easiest carpeting plants to maintain — requiring no CO2 injection and tolerating a wide range of light levels, making it an ideal choice for low-tech aquascapes and beginners seeking a lush, naturalistic foreground.

Propagation: Spreads via creeping rhizomes and runners. Divide clumps and replant sections into the substrate. Growth rate increases with higher light and CO2.

Care Guide

• Origin: Australia
• Light: Low to High
• Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 | Temp 18–28°C | Soft to moderately hard water
• CO2 Required: No
• Fertiliser: Benefits from root tabs and occasional liquid fertiliser
• Placement: Foreground carpet
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Max Size: 2–5cm tall; spreading