Elatine triandra

Elatine triandra is one of the smallest aquarium plants in cultivation, with tiny, rounded, bright green leaves carried on thread-like creeping stems. When conditions are right it forms a remarkably dense, flat, moss-like carpet that is unlike any other stem plant in the hobby. The effect is strikingly similar to HC Cuba but with a slightly looser, more natural quality.

It is extremely demanding — very high light, stable CO2, soft and acidic water, and pristine water quality are all necessary for healthy carpeting growth. In anything less than optimal conditions the plant grows extremely slowly or simply dissolves. It is rarely encountered in mainstream aquatic plant retail and is primarily found through specialist plant exchanges and collectors.

For experienced aquascapers with established high-tech tanks, E. triandra provides a unique foreground option that adds rare botanical interest and extraordinary fine-scaled texture to detailed aquascape compositions.

Light: Very high (80–120 PAR); carpet growth requires maximum light at substrate level. CO2: Required at 25–35 mg/L; stable, high-level injection essential for survival. Fertilisation: Micro dosing 2–3× weekly; soft water prevents calcium/magnesium blockage. Placement: Foreground carpet; plant small portions 1–2 cm apart across the substrate. Propagation: Spreads by creeping stems; trim and redirect runners to extend the carpet.