The Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) is a popular aquarium plant among aquarists, especially in the foreground of the aquarium. This plant is native to South America, specifically Brazil, and belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is a low-growing plant that can grow up to 10 cm in height, making it ideal for creating a carpet-like effect in an aquarium. In this article, we will explore the Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) in detail, including its origin, growth requirements, and care.
Origin and Distribution:
The Micro Sword plant is native to Brazil and can be found in rivers, streams, and wetlands across the country. It is also found in other parts of South America, such as Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The plant was first introduced into the aquarium hobby in the 1980s and has since become popular due to its ability to create a dense, green carpet in the foreground of an aquarium.
Appearance and Growth:
The Micro Sword is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 10 cm in height. It has thin, blade-like leaves that grow in a rosette formation. The leaves are bright green in color and can grow up to 1 cm in length. The plant produces runners that can quickly spread across the substrate, creating a dense carpet-like effect.
The Micro Sword requires high light intensity to thrive. It can grow in low light conditions, but its growth rate will be slower, and the plant will not be as dense. CO2 supplementation is also beneficial for the plant’s growth, as it aids in photosynthesis and helps the plant produce more oxygen. In terms of water parameters, the Micro Sword prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.5-7.5) and soft to medium-hard water.
Care and Maintenance:
The Micro Sword plant is relatively easy to care for and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Here are some tips on how to care for the Micro Sword plant:
- Lighting: As mentioned earlier, the Micro Sword requires high light intensity to thrive. It is recommended to provide the plant with at least 2 watts of light per gallon of water. LED lights are an excellent choice for this plant, as they provide high-intensity light while producing less heat.
- Substrate: The Micro Sword requires a nutrient-rich substrate to grow. A substrate made specifically for aquatic plants is ideal, but a nutrient-rich substrate such as fluorite or eco-complete can also work well. The substrate should be at least 2 inches deep to allow for the plant’s runners to spread.
- CO2: CO2 supplementation is not necessary for the Micro Sword plant’s survival, but it will help the plant grow faster and produce more oxygen. If you choose to supplement CO2, it is recommended to maintain a concentration of 15-30 ppm.
- Water Parameters: The Micro Sword prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The water should be soft to medium-hard, with a GH (general hardness) of 4-8 and a KH (carbonate hardness) of 3-5.
- Fertilization: The Micro Sword plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. A liquid fertilizer specifically made for aquatic plants should be added to the water every week. Additionally, root tabs can be placed in the substrate every three months to provide extra nutrients to the plant.
Propagation:
The Micro Sword plant can be propagated through runners. These runners are produced by the plant and will grow outwards, creating new plantlets. Once these plantlets have developed roots, they can be separated from the parent plant and replanted in a different location in the aquarium.
Conclusion:
The Micro Sword is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a lush, carpet-like effect to your aquarium. Its bright green color and low-growing habit make it an excellent choice for the foreground of an aquarium. With proper lighting, substrate, CO2 supplementation, and regular fertilization, the Micro Sword can grow quickly and produce a dense carpet of plants.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Micro Sword is a slow-growing plant, so it may take some time for the carpet effect to be achieved. However, with patience and proper care, the results can be stunning. Additionally, the plant’s runners can quickly spread throughout the aquarium, so it’s essential to keep the plant trimmed regularly to prevent it from overrunning other plants in the tank.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add beauty and depth to your aquarium, the Micro Sword is an excellent choice. With its bright green color and carpet-like growth habit, it can create a stunning visual effect in your aquarium. Just remember to provide it with proper lighting, substrate, CO2, and fertilization, and you’ll be rewarded with a lush and healthy plant.
