Dwarf Four-leaf Clover

Dwarf Four-leaf Clover (Marsilea hirsuta) is a small aquatic fern from the temporary pools and wetlands of Australia. In the aquarium it spreads via runners to form a dense, lawn-like carpet of characteristic four-lobed clover leaves at heights of just 2–5 cm under aquarium conditions. It is one of the most popular low-maintenance carpeting plants, performing exceptionally well without CO2 injection in medium-light setups.

Light: medium light; low light causes the plant to grow taller and less dense. CO2: not required; CO2 and nutrient-rich substrate accelerate carpeting speed. Planting: push individual plantlets 1-2 cm into substrate 2–3 cm apart; runners fill gaps naturally. Trimming: trim with scissors to maintain desired carpet height; remove runners that stray too far. Growth: moderate; propagates rapidly via lateral runners.