Sagittaria pusilla

Sagittaria pusilla is a diminutive North American species that produces narrow, strap-shaped leaves just a few millimetres wide from a compact rosette. It spreads aggressively via runners, making it one of the fastest foreground carpet plants under almost any conditions including low light and no CO2 injection. Its hardiness and runner-producing vigour make it an excellent choice for beginners wanting their first foreground carpet without the investment of high-tech equipment.

Light: Low to high (15–80+ PAR); highly adaptable — one of the most light-tolerant carpet plants. CO2: Not required; performs very well in low-tech tanks with basic fertilisation. Planting: Plant small rosettes 4–5 cm apart; runners will fill the foreground within weeks. Maintenance: Remove runners that stray into undesired areas; thin the carpet when it becomes overcrowded. Note: In high light and CO2 conditions the plant can grow significantly taller (up to 15 cm) — trim regularly to maintain carpet form.