Marsilea crenata

Marsilea crenata is a small aquatic fern native to Southeast Asia that produces distinctive four-lobed fronds on short, creeping stems. Unlike most carpet plants it is genuinely low-light tolerant, making it one of the most accessible foreground options for low-tech planted tanks. Under higher light the fronds remain compact and tightly spaced; in low light they extend on longer petioles. The clover-like appearance offers a refreshing visual alternative to grass or fine-leaved carpet plants.

Light: Low to medium (15–40 PAR); one of the few carpet plants that thrives under low-tech conditions. CO2: Not required; performs well with liquid fertiliser supplementation alone. Planting: Plant rhizome sections 2–3 cm apart just below the substrate surface; do not bury deeply. Maintenance: Trim petioles that grow too tall; runners spread naturally and require minimal management. Note: Frond shape varies from two-lobed (submersed) to four-lobed (emergent/shallow) — both forms are normal.