How to Grow Micro Sword
Wikimedia Commons
Micro Sword
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
herbMicro sword is a delicate aquatic plant native to South America, characterized by tiny, grass-like leaves that form dense carpets in aquariums. It is a popular foreground plant in freshwater aquascaping, valued for its miniature appearance and low-growing habit. Despite being aquatic, it can also be grown as a terrestrial plant in humid conditions.
When should you plant Micro Sword in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Micro Sword timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Micro Sword
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Micro Sword
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Micro Sword dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growth Stages
Acclimation
1-2 weeksPlant recently introduced to aquarium; leaves may appear slightly melted or translucent as it adjusts to new conditions
Maintain stable water parameters; avoid major water changes; ensure gentle water flow; keep light at moderate levels initially
Rooting & Establishment
2-4 weeksNew roots develop from the rhizome; existing leaves stabilize; new shoots begin to emerge from the crown
Apply root tabs or liquid fertilizers; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich; maintain consistent light and temperature; avoid disturbance
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant produces numerous new shoots; leaves multiply and spread laterally; carpet begins to fill in the substrate
Increase light intensity to 2-3 watts per gallon; apply comprehensive fertilizers weekly; consider CO2 supplementation for faster growth; thin overcrowded areas
Carpet Formation
Ongoing maintenanceDense, carpet-like coverage develops across the substrate; plant reaches mature height of 1-2 inches; fine, grass-like leaves create attractive foreground display
Maintain regular fertilization and lighting; trim trailing shoots to maintain carpet density; remove algae competing for space; perform gentle pruning to maintain shape
Propagation
Continuous after 2-3 monthsMature plant produces runners that create new shoots, allowing natural expansion; established plants can be divided
Allow runners to develop naturally or carefully separate runners with scissors; replant separated shoots in new areas; maintain optimal conditions for continued propagation
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Reduce light duration to 8 hours; increase plant density to outcompete algae; perform frequent water changes; use algae-eating fish like Otocinclus; avoid excess nutrients
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Maintain excellent water quality; ensure adequate water circulation; perform regular water changes; remove affected leaves; treat with antifungal medication if severe
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Apply comprehensive aquarium fertilizers weekly; use iron supplements for yellowing leaves; ensure adequate macronutrient content in fertilizer; consider CO2 supplementation
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Acclimate slowly over 1-2 weeks; maintain stable water parameters; avoid sudden changes in light or temperature; ensure good water quality and circulation
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Manually remove snails; introduce snail-eating fish like puffers; reduce feeding to limit snail population; quarantine new plants before introducing to tank
Uses
Aquarium Foreground Landscaping
HouseholdMicro sword is an excellent aquatic plant for creating dense foreground carpets in freshwater aquariums. Its tiny, grass-like leaves create a natural, lush appearance that enhances aquascaping aesthetics. [source]
Fish & Shrimp Habitat
WildlifeThe dense carpet provides shelter and foraging grounds for small fish species, shrimp, and invertebrates. It offers protection for fry and encourages natural behaviors in aquatic animals. [source]
Water Quality Improvement
HouseholdAs a live aquatic plant, micro sword absorbs excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and produces oxygen through photosynthesis. This helps maintain cleaner water conditions and reduces algae growth by competing for available nutrients. [source]
Aquascaping Design Elements
CraftMicro sword is a popular choice for nature aquariums and Dutch aquascaping styles, where it serves as a foundational element for creating depth and visual interest. It can be shaped and trimmed to create specific landscape effects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Micro sword is not harvested for consumption; instead, it is maintained in aquariums for aesthetic purposes. Trim excess growth with aquarium scissors to maintain carpet density and desired shape. Carefully remove runners that extend beyond the intended carpet area. Propagate by separating rooted runners and replanting them in new substrate areas.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Micro sword is native to South American wetlands and can survive in both fully aquatic and semi-aquatic (paludarium) conditions, making it extremely versatile for different aquatic setups.
- 🌱 Despite its name, micro sword is not actually a sword plant (Echinodorus genus); it belongs to the Lilaeopsis genus and is one of the smallest aquatic plants available for aquariums.
- 🌱 Micro sword can produce tiny white flowers above the water surface if grown in paludarium conditions with high humidity, though flowering is rare in fully submerged aquariums.
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