Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plant gives an aesthetic look to the aquarium and an amazing dense environment for the fishes to hide their eggs and also the younger ones to hide from the big predator adult fishes. The genus name Lilaeopsis meaning ‘charming the eye’ turns out to be appropriate because of the carpet effect. The species name brasiliensis is a derivation from the plant’s place of origin, which is Brazil in South America. Beginners might need to be extra careful before attempting to grow Micro Sword in your aquarium as they are highly delicate. However, this beginners’ guide has all the details required to successfully grow the Micro Sword plant.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis Plant overview
Common Name
Brazilian Micro Sword, Micro Sword Plant, Micro Sword, Carpet grass, or Copra grass.
Color
The Micro Sword has light or dark green colored grass-like leaves that are flat, narrow towards the bottom, wider in the middle, and pointed at the tips.
Habitat/Origin
The origin of the plant is in South America. Research says that although the plant generally grows in tropical regions, it can tolerate salt content in water to a certain level.
Average Size
Micro sword plants can grow up to a height of about 3 inches in an aquarium under normal conditions. With better lighting conditions and CO2 levels, the plants can grow from 4 to 7 inches in height.
Growth Rate
Even with really good conditions available in the tank, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plant takes months to form a carpet layer.
Placement
The plant can be placed in the foreground of the aquarium to improve the aesthetic look.
Maintenance
Periodical water changes and removal of algae are very much necessary for the better growth of Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plant. You can also trim the plants. But they need to be removed from the substrate, separated into clusters, and then replanted. Direct trimming can cause decay. The roots, if trimmed, will also result in faster growth and flourishing.
Planting Methods
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis have very delicate and fragile roots because of which it needs to be carefully planted using aquarium tweezers. This will avoid damaging the roots. Do not plant the blades of the plant in a single clump. The best way to plant them would be to make a hole in the substrate using the tweezers and then plant the clumps. The water current in the aquarium will need to be switched off until the roots get a hold of the substrate.
Ideal Setup
The plants require nutrient-rich substrates to grow. They can be grown in an aquarium as a foreground plant emerges or submerged in water. It can also grow in gravel or sand if sufficient fertilizers are added to the substrate.
Care Level
Medium-level care.
Supplements
Use fertilizers in the form of tablets or liquids. The tablet form helps in targeting the root area. The excreta of the fish serve as a fertilizer.
Lighting
LED lights, T5 or T8 fluorescent lights, or 5000 to 7000 Kelvin full spectrum bulbs can be used. The lighting should reach the bottom of the aquarium where the Micro Sword grows and it should cover 3 watts per gallon.
Water temperature
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis originated in a tropical region. Therefore, it is ideal to maintain the temperature between 72-85°F (22-29°C). The pH levels can be between 5.0 to 7.5 (slightly alkaline or soft to moderately hard water).
Propagation
The mature plant produces runners which look like smaller versions of the mother plant. When the runners reach a height of at least half of the mother plant, remove them and plant them in the substrate carefully. Care should be taken so that the roots do not get damaged, and also each clump should have three to four leaflets. Natural propagation also happens when the plant is left undisturbed. However, pinching and planting the runners can help in creating the desired effect.
Approximate Cost
The plant is available in a price range of 4 US dollars to 6 US dollars.
Common Diseases
Due to excessive lighting conditions, the leaves can turn a yellow color. It can also result in algae formation, which can cause contamination.
What to look for when buying
Make sure the leaves are green in color without any spots. Also, look out for the leaves to be at least 2 inches long at the time of purchase. The plants will be available as potted plants, on a mat, or on a thick piece of cloth with visible roots. The roots need to be dense and white in color.
Related Specifies of Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis Mauritiana.