Care Guide
Narrow leafed micro sword
Lilaeopsis Mauritiana
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate
Growth Rate
Medium
Growth Form
Creeping stolon
Placement
Foreground
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bare root, potted
About This Plant
Lilaeopsis mauritiana is the finest leaved of the Lilaeopsis species in commercial cultivation for aquarium use. It is a little less light demanding than other species, though the more light it gets, the shorter and thicker a lawn can be produced. This is a good option for those who want a grassy foreground, but something a little different from Eleocharis (hair grass) .
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
- Narrow leafed micro sword
- Scientific name
- Lilaeopsis Mauritiana
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to
- The Republic of Mauritius
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Requirements
- Moderate, but does best with a nutrient rich substrate and good light
- Lighting
- Moderate
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Growth form
- Creeping stolon
- Placement
- Foreground
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bare root, 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 Narrow leafed micro sword need?
Narrow leafed micro sword (Lilaeopsis Mauritiana) prefers moderate lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Narrow leafed micro sword need CO2?
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Is Narrow leafed micro sword good for beginners?
Narrow leafed 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 Narrow leafed micro sword grow?
Growth rate is medium. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Narrow leafed 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.
Available to Purchase
Narrow leafed micro sword — $20.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100