Plant Profile Marsilea Hirsuta is a charming dwarf, clover-like foreground plant that brings a unique look to any aquascape. It is a slow-growing carpeting plant that is relatively easy to keep compared to demanding foreground species like Dwarf Baby Tears, making it an excellent alternative for hobbyists wanting a lush carpet without the intense upkeep. When grown under medium to high light, the plant stays low-growing and spreads horizontally, helping you achieve a beautifully dense, turf-style lawn. Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup. Need Dwarf Four Leaf Clover but this listing is out of stock? Check out these other popular variants: Marsilea Angustifolia Marsilea Crenata Key Features & Benefits Dwarf clover-like foliage creates a unique, turf-style lawn across the foreground. Easier to cultivate than high-demanding carpets like Dwarf Baby Tears (HC). Care & Planting Instructions Maintain high lighting and inject pressurized CO2 while frequently trimming new growth to force the plant to stay low and create a tight carpeting effect over your foreground. Keep a pair of trimming scissors handy, as it grows quickly and requires regular pruning to prevent it from out-competing and overgrowing your other tank inhabitants. Propagate whenever you want by simply cutting the stems anywhere along the shoot and replanting them, or by pulling apart dense clumps and splitting the roots. Maintain stable aquarium parameters and avoid any sudden, drastic shifts in water quality to prevent your new grass from melting. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Marsilea hirsuta Common Name(s) Dwarf Four-Leaf Clover, Marsilea Hirsuta Family Marsileaceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Water Fern / Carpeting Foreground Care Difficulty Easy Light Requirement Medium to High CO2 Requirement Optional (Promotes denser, lower-growing carpet) Placement / Usage Foreground Carpet Height / Size 1-2 inches Growth Rate Slow to Moderate Water Parameters pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 64°F – 82°F (18°C – 28°C) Propagation Method Separate horizontal runners Origin Australia Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why is my Marsilea Hirsuta growing tall instead of carpeting? When Marsilea Hirsuta doesn't receive enough light, it stretches upward toward the surface and grows single, taller leaves. Increasing light intensity will force new leaves to stay low and form classic 2-to-4-leaf clover fronds along horizontal runners. 2. Is Marsilea Hirsuta suitable for low-tech aquariums? Yes, Marsilea Hirsuta is one of the easiest carpeting plants for low-tech tanks without pressurized CO2. While it grows much more slowly without CO2, it will still spread horizontally as long as adequate lighting and root nutrients are provided. 3. How do I propagate Marsilea Hirsuta? Plant it 1 inch apart into substrate using fine tweezers. The plant will naturally send out subterranean runners that connect the plugs into a unified carpet.
