For a beginner hobbyist, this plant is really easy to grow and maintain. They can adapt to a wide range of conditions. For instance, if the lighting is sufficient they grow horizontally. If the lighting is low, they do not die rather grow vertically. But under the proper condition, they can thrive in a really healthy way. Hence we need the beginner’s guide to know the proper condition.

Sagittaria subulata plant – Overview
Common NameThis plant is commonly called Dwarf Sagittaria. It is also called Needle Saggitaria or Floating Arrowhead.
ColorThe leaves are bright green in color. They have flowers which are white in color.
Habitat/OriginThey are found in both freshwater and brackish water which are native to South America. Their natural habitat is rivers, marshes, and seacoast.
Average SizeThey can grow up to a height of 50 cm. Of the plant, the size of the leaves is 5mm.
Growth RateThey can grow fast with productive multiplication. That is they can grow dense within a short duration of time.
PlacementThey can be placed in mid-ground or foreground in the tank. If this plant alone is kept in the tank they can spread widely and give a rich dense appearance.
MaintenanceThe lighting should be kept sufficient. If the lighting is low the plant grows vertically. With sufficient lighting, the plant grows horizontally.
Planting MethodsThe stem should be placed in the substrate and the roots should be properly buried. A bunch of 4 – 5 plants can be placed at a distance of 15 cm. They can be grown both in an emersed and submerged way. A submerged plant has narrower and longer leaves.
Ideal SetupGravel sand which is fine is good for these plants.
Care LevelThey are easy to care for. Pruning should be done time and again because they grow too dense and tend to climb up to receive light and to get enough space.
SupplementsSupplements like CO2 and iron should be given. Fertilizers can be added on a regular basis for the healthy growth of the plant.
LightingThe plant can thrive in moderate to high lighting. In intense lighting, the leaf apexes become reddish in color. In the tank, LED and fluorescent can be used.
Water temperatureMaintain the water temperature around 18-26 degrees C. however they can withstand low temperatures up to 15 degrees C.
PropogationThey can be easily propagated by runners. They send runners everywhere. When placed in fine gravel that is rich in iron with added Co2 and strong lighting they can grow really quick.
Approx. CostThey are cheap and a bunch would cost around 1 Dollar in the USA and half the price in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world
Common DiseasesThe leaves of the plant turn yellow if the conditions are not suitable for the plant. This is also due to a lack of iron content.
What to look for when buyingThere are three aquarium plant species namely pusilla, kurziana, gracillima which grow at different heights. Their heights in centimeters are 30, 50, and 60 respectively. Hence look for the species depending on the height of the plant that you want to grow.
Related SpecifiesThere are 3 similar species namely pusilla, kurziana, gracillima
FAQsCheck out the most asked questions about Sagittaria

Sagittaria subulata plant gallery
  • Sagittaria subulata plant
  • Sagittaria subulata plant
  • Sagittaria subulata plant

References
  1. “World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew”. apps.kew.org
  2. Sagittaria Linnaeus, Flora of North America
  3. “Species Records of Sagittaria“. Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture
  4.  “Sagittaria“.