Sagittaria Subulata
Sagittaria subulata
Also known as Dwarf Sagittaria, Dwarf Sag, Sag, Subulata
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
📍 North and South America
Sagittaria subulata is a fast-growing grass-like plant that spreads via runners to form dense meadows. It works as both a carpet in nano tanks and a mid-background plant in larger setups depending on lighting intensity. Very undemanding and adaptable.
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by @SirenScapes
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 10 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Sagittaria Subulata.
Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't uproot or damage delicate runners
Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without disturbing plant structure
Excellent companion plant with similar growth requirements and carpet-forming habit
Low-light tolerant plant that pairs well in mixed planted layouts
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or consume plant material
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches
Increase fertilizer dosing (liquid all-in-one or macronutrient supplements); add root tabs if using inert substrate; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced light penetration, slowed growth
Increase water changes (30-50% weekly), reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily, add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Siamese Algae Eater), manually remove affected leaves
Melting
Rapid leaf decay, mushy stems, plant disintegration over days to weeks
Improve water quality with frequent water changes; ensure stable temperature (avoid sudden fluctuations); increase CO2 or fertilization; trim affected portions and allow new growth
Slow or No Growth
Minimal new leaf production, stunted runners, plant remains static for weeks
Increase light intensity and duration (10-12 hours daily); boost fertilization; check water parameters (ensure pH 6.0-8.0, low ammonia); verify substrate quality supports root feeding
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- diet
- Root and water column feeder
- light
- Low to high
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–20 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°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.