Care Guide
Dwarf four leaf clover
Lysimachia Nummularia Aurea
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Low-moderate
Growth Rate
Slow-moderate
Growth Form
Creeping rhizome
Placement
Foreground
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Potted, Tissue culture
About This Plant
Marsilea hirsuta is actually a tiny creeping fern, though its leaf shape might make you think otherwise. In its emersed form, it has leaves resembling a four leafed clover. Marsilea species are very difficult to determine, except by examining the sporocarps (fruiting bodies) on emersed plants. Even then it is not easy! We believe that the plants we offer are this species. We do know that this one is an exemplary foreground plant! Under water, Marsilea hirsuta it usually reverts to a single, small, spoon-shaped leaf, though the occasional “four leaf clover” may pop up. This species is the best choice for the aquarist who would like to experience a “lawn” in a an aquarium without supplemental CO2 or strong lighting. While not a fast grower, it will slowly and steadily fill in, even under quite modest conditions. It also works well when planted along with a higher light option in areas where you would like the ground cover to extend back into shadowy areas of the tank.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Dwarf four leaf clover
- Scientific name
- Lysimachia Nummularia Aurea
- Family
- Marsileceae
- Native to
- Australia
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding, but will spread more thickly in a soil based substrate.
- Lighting
- Low-moderate
- Growth rate
- Slow-moderate
- Growth form
- Creeping rhizome
- Placement
- Foreground
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Potted, Tissue culture
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
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. The rhizome is the green horizontal stem. Attach it to driftwood, lava rock, or stone with cotton thread or super-glue gel — burying the rhizome causes rot.
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
Rhizome rot
The rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) must stay above the substrate. Buried rhizomes turn black and mushy within a few weeks. Tie the plant to hardscape or wedge it between rocks instead.
Pale or stretched leaves
If new growth comes in pale yellow or the stems stretch unusually long, the plant is reaching for more light. Either raise the fixture's intensity or add a richer fertilizer.
Algae on old leaves
Slow growers accumulate dust and spot algae on older leaves. Wipe affected leaves with your fingers during water changes, and consider adding a few Amano shrimp or Otocinclus as cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Dwarf four leaf clover need?
Dwarf four leaf clover (Lysimachia Nummularia Aurea) prefers low-moderate lighting. Standard tank lighting is sufficient — no specialty fixture is required.
Does Dwarf four leaf clover need CO2?
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
Is Dwarf four leaf clover good for beginners?
Dwarf four leaf clover is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Dwarf four leaf clover grow?
Growth rate is slow-moderate. Be patient — visible new growth may take 3-4 weeks, but the plant is famously low-maintenance once settled.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Dwarf four leaf clover?
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
Dwarf four leaf clover — $19.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100