Brazilian Micro Sword
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Also known as Microsword, Lilaeopsis
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Apiales›Apiaceae
📍 Brazil & Argentina
Popular carpet plant forming a dense lawn of short, narrow blades. Grows slowly without CO2 but rewards patience. Spreads via runners — plant individual blades 1 cm (0.5 in) apart for the fastest carpet.
Community Photos
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by @isabellekaulback
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 5 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Brazilian Micro Sword.
Compatible Livestock
Small, peaceful algae grazers that won't uproot or damage delicate carpet plants
Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plant tissue; enhance carpet aesthetics
Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements and growth patterns
Small, peaceful fish that inhabit mid-water column and won't disturb rooted plants
Larger shrimp species that efficiently control algae without damaging plant structure
Similar low-growing foreground plant that creates a cohesive carpet landscape
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, slow runner development
Increase fertilizer dosing (liquid all-in-one or macronutrient supplements), add root tabs, ensure adequate lighting and CO2
Algae Overgrowth
Green or brown algae coating plant leaves, reduced photosynthesis, plant decay
Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, improve water circulation
Melting
Leaves becoming translucent, tissue breakdown, plant deterioration after planting
Gradual acclimation to new conditions, maintain stable water parameters, ensure consistent temperature (23-28°C), increase CO2 and nutrients
Poor Root Development
Weak anchoring, slow growth, inability to spread via runners
Verify substrate is nutrient-rich, add root fertilizer tabs, ensure adequate iron and micronutrients, maintain consistent water conditions
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- CO2
- recommended
- lighting
- high
- maxHeight
- 3–5 cm (1–2 in)
- placement
- foreground
- substrate
- nutrient-rich
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- hardness
- 4–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.