Tropica Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, the Brazilian Micro Sword or Copragrass, is a small aquatic plant from South America that forms tight, low-growing clusters of short, narrow, bright-green leaves. Growing to only 3–7 cm in height, it creates one of the most natural-looking grass-like effects available in planted aquariums — resembling a miniature lawn of lush green grass.

Micro Sword is more accessible than HC Cuba as a carpet/lawn plant: it grows in medium light and can establish with minimal CO2 (though CO2 significantly improves results), and it is less prone to catastrophic melt during establishment. It spreads by runners and gradually fills the foreground substrate with dense patches of short, grass-like leaves.

In terms of appearance, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis creates a slightly more textured and natural-looking lawn than Eleocharis hairgrass, with slightly wider, stiffer leaves. It is particularly effective in nature-style aquascapes where the 'lawn' area represents a natural clearing or pond margin.

Tropica produces high-quality Lilaeopsis brasiliensis in tissue culture format for clean introduction.

Light: Medium to high light (25–60 PAR). The plant grows more slowly in lower light and will not form a dense carpet without adequate lighting.

CO2: Recommended (15–25 mg/L) for reliable carpeting. Possible without CO2 in high light but slower.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs support spreading. Slightly acidic soil provides best results.

Planting: Separate into small clumps and plant 3–4 cm apart. Allow 4–10 weeks for carpeting under ideal conditions.

Maintenance: Trim to maintain low, dense appearance. Pruning to 3–4 cm height encourages lateral spreading.

Water Parameters: pH 5.5–7.5, temperature 20–28°C.