Care Guide
Giant micro sword
Lilaeopsis Caroliniensis
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate to High
Growth Rate
Medium
Growth Form
Creeping stolon
Placement
Mid-ground
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Potted
About This Plant
Lilaeopsis carolinensis is relatively new to the aquarium hobby. In emersed culture it is considerably taller than L. brasiliensis . In submersed culture it is still a taller under good growth conditions, but the difference may not be as obvious. It is a useful plant as a contrast behind very small foreground planting, or can also be used as an edging for garden ponds.
About the Lilaeopsis Genus
Family — Apiaceae
Lilaeopsis forms a grass-like carpet by spreading rhizomes. It needs moderate-to-high light and patience — establishment is slow but the result is a durable, dense lawn.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Giant micro sword
- Scientific name
- Lilaeopsis Caroliniensis
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to
- Eastern costal North America, Southern South America
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Requirements
- Moderate
- Lighting
- Moderate to High
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Growth form
- Creeping stolon
- Placement
- Mid-ground
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Potted
Difficulty — Intermediate
Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Tank Size & Setup
Suits tanks of any size. Foreground carpeting plants work especially well in 10-40 gallon planted setups where the viewer is close to the substrate.
Aquascaping & Placement
Use as a foreground carpeting plant. Plant small portions on 2-3 cm centers and let runners fill the gaps over 4-8 weeks.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Common Care Issues
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Giant micro sword need?
Giant micro sword (Lilaeopsis Caroliniensis) prefers moderate to high lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Giant micro sword need CO2?
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Is Giant micro sword good for beginners?
Giant micro sword is rated intermediate-level. Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
How fast does Giant micro sword grow?
Growth rate is medium. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Giant micro sword?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.