Brazilian Micro Sword
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
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.
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by @isabellekaulback
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 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