Approximate leaf spread: 45cm (18 inches) Recommended water depth over crown of plant: 5 - 15 cm (2 - 6 inches) Flower: None Supplied in the solid 9cm pot we grow them in - for best results we recommend potting on using a 2 litre pot This rare pond plant produces attractive, glossy leaves that float on the water’s surface, much like a small waterlily. The leaves reach up to 1½ inches across and display delicate two-tone markings, particularly striking on mature leaves. Although it resembles a four-leaf clover, Marsilea mutica is actually an aquatic fern. Native to Australia, it thrives in warm, shallow water. The plant spreads via floating runners, with growth speed depending on temperature - it can spread quickly in warm ponds, but more slowly in cooler ones. Unlike most waterlilies, its compact leaves are well-proportioned for smaller ponds and even tubs. Contrary to popular belief, the plant is fully hardy in UK ponds: we have grown Marsilea mutica here at the nursery in East Anglia in small free-standing tubs for over 25 years with no protection whatsoever from frost or snow and it always survives (the fourth picture shows the plant frozen into the ice in January). The plant is nyctinastic - rather endearingly, the leaves naturally fold up or 'go to sleep' in darkness, including during postage, before reopening again in the light. If designing a planting scheme, we recommend approximately 1 Marsilea mutica plant per two square feet of water surface. Read more here on how to pot and care for your plant.
