Micro Sword

This foreground plant is often sold under the erroneous Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae nametag (the real L. novae-zelandiae is a round-leaved brackish water plant that is not seen too often in the trade). L. brasiliensis has spathulate leaves and grows in a relatively compact manner, achieving a beautiful lawn effect when grown under very high intensity lighting. This demanding species does best when given CO2 supplementation. After purchasing, the plant should be separated into approximately 8 clumps and planted at intervals of a few centimetres apart using tweezers. This will allow the plant to grow together to form a green carpet much more quickly and effectively. However, it will require regular pruning to keep the carpet looking at its best. L. brasiliensis will grow under more subdued lighting, but this tends to cause it to grow much taller as it tries to reach the available light. Many aquarists have found that a nutrient rich substrate also encourages taller growth, so it may be advantageous to use a slightly leaner substrate choice if trying to achieve the lawn effect, instead feeding the plant via liquid supplements, strong lighting, and CO2 addition. Propagation is by runners.