General Information ::
The aquatic fern, also known as Marsilea, originates from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australiainland. Marsilea prefers relatively calm or still water, with fronds producing leaflets in the shape of four-leaf clovers, generally floating on the water's surface. Marsilea can grow in a number of different substrates and under optimal conditions; it will form a thick, dark to lime-green carpet with its numerous runners. Due to their fast rate of growth and steady propagation, the various species of Marsilea are some of the most popular foreground plants for aquariums. There are over fifty species of Marsilea that have been identified, but the most common include Marsilea crenata, Marsilea hirsuta, Marsilea quadrifolia, Marsilea mutica and Marsilea minuta. The less common species are Marsilea drummondii and Marsilea angustifolia.
Marsilea requires a nutrient rich substrate and high intensity lighting of at least 3 watts per gallon with full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Optimal lighting and CO2 injection will promote more compact, robust growth, while shade or inadequate lighting tend to make the genus grow vertically.
The Marsilea genus mainly propagates by runners and occasional trimming of the runners is recommended using a sterile razor blade or very sharp, sterilized scissors. For propagation, allow the new plant to form its own leaves prior to separating it from the mother plant.
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