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Marsilea Crenata
Marsilea crenata
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Marsileaceae
📍 Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines)
The most popular carpeting Marsilea in the hobby, producing tiny two- or four-leaf clovers on short petioles that hug the substrate to form a dense, bright green carpet. Significantly smaller than M. hirsuta, making it better suited to nano tanks and foreground work in larger scapes. Grows reliably with good light and CO₂ but is surprisingly tolerant of lower-tech conditions compared to HC Cuba. The clover-shaped leaves are charming and create an instantly recognisable, naturalistic foreground.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful algae grazers that won't uproot or damage delicate carpet plants
Gentle foragers that benefit from plant cover and won't harm the carpet
Peaceful nano fish that thrive in planted tanks with similar water parameters
Complementary foreground plant that creates varied carpet texture and height
Hardy companion plant for midground layering; can be tied to hardscape near the carpet
Larger shrimp that won't damage the carpet and help control algae growth
Common Diseases
Melting (Submersion Shock)
Leaves turn translucent, mushy, or dissolve within days of submersion; common in emersed-grown plants
Persist with stable conditions—most plants recover within 2-4 weeks as new submerged leaves emerge. Maintain consistent lighting, temperature, and nutrients. Trim severely damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves and substrate, reducing light penetration and plant vigor
Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fauna (Otocinclus, Amano Shrimp), and ensure adequate CO₂ and nutrients to outcompete algae
Nutrient Deficiency
Stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, loss of vibrant green coloration despite adequate light
Dose all-in-one fertilizer or macronutrient supplements 1-2 times weekly; consider upgrading to nutrient-rich aquasoil and adding CO₂ supplementation
Root Rot (Rhizome Decay)
Blackened or mushy rhizomes, foul odor from substrate, plant fails to grow despite good conditions
Improve substrate drainage and water circulation; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich but not compacted; increase water change frequency and check for anaerobic pockets
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Marsilea Crenata.
Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended for carpeting
- light
- Medium to high
- max size
- 1–3 cm (0.5–1 in) tall (carpeting)
- placement
- Foreground carpet
- substrate
- Nutrient-rich aquasoil preferred
- growth rate
- Medium
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- notes
- Smaller than M. hirsuta. More tolerant than HC Cuba for carpeting. Emersed grown plants may melt on submersion — persevere.
- hardness
- 0–12 dGH
- temperature
- 154–183°F (68–84°C)