George Farmer advises one of our readers on some easy to grow carpeting plants suitable for a low tech aquascape.
I have an 80-litre (18gal) aquarium which I have aquascaped using several species of aquarium plant. Most of these aquatic plants have done well, even though I've not used a planting substrate. However, I would like to add a carpeting plant in the foreground of the aquascape and I'm struggling. I would rather not add pressurised CO2 to this aquarium; could you suggest some easy carpeting plants that could work?
RICHARD MURRAY
George Farmer's advice on carpeting plants
We have a few potential options for a carpeting plant in a non-CO2 injected planted tank in the trade. This is assuming you have sufficient lighting intensity. The easiest species include the small foreground plants Marsilea hirsuta and Helanthium tenellum ‘Green’. Dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) and Lilaeopsis brasiliensis could possibly work but may require slightly higher light.
Cryptocoryne parva, over time, can send out new plants forming a carpet effect. Plus, it is tolerant to lower light levels. However it is quite slow growing so it will take time to form a dense carpet so it wouldn't be my first choice.
Read more about my top four suggestions of low tech aquarium carpeting plants below.
Marsilea hirsuta - Photo by Tropica Aquarium Plants
Marsilea hirsuta
Plant type: Carpeting fern
Growth rate: Slow
Position: Foreground
Origin: Australia
Lighting: Low to moderate
CO2: Beneficial but not essential
Size: 2-10cm (0.8-4")
Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64-82°F)
Marsilea is actually a type of fern, although it looks quite different to the species we are more familiar with.
Helanthium tenellum - Photo by Tropica Aquarium Plants
Helanthium tenellum 'Green'
Plant type: Carpeting rosette plant
Growth rate: Moderate
Position: Foreground
Origin: America
Lighting: Low to moderate
CO2: Beneficial but not essential
Size: 5-10cm (2-4")
Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
Aquarists may know Helanthium tenellum as Echinodorus tenellus.
Related article: 5 easy and beautiful stem plants for your aquascape
Eleocharis is an effective carpeting plant- Photo by Shutterstock
Dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)
Plant type: Carpeting stolon plant
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Position: Foreground
Origin: Widespread
Lighting: Moderate
CO2: Beneficial but not essential
Size: 3-10cm (1.2-4")
Temperature: 18-27°C (64-81°F)
Another species sometimes called dwarf hairgrass is Eleocharis acicularis. This species grows taller reaching 15cm (6") under some conditions, with thinner and straighter leaves than E. parvula.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis - Photo by Tropica Aquarium Plants
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Plant type: Carpeting stolon plant
Growth rate: Moderate
Position: Foreground
Origin: South America
Lighting: Moderate to high
CO2: Does best with CO2 but can grow without it if you meet the other requirements
Size: 4-7cm (1.6-2.8")
Temperature: 4-26°C (40-79°F)
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis also goes by the common name, the Brazilian micro sword. This plant comes from the southern regions of South America making it hardy to low temperatures. In fact, it tolerates the so well that it is suitable for UK ponds.
Additional tips when growing a carpet
Consider buying fresh in-vitro plants, like the Tropica 1-2-Grow range. These are in a liquid media, which makes their transition to underwater less troublesome than regular potted plants. The latter tend to struggle to adapt to underwater growth without CO2 injection and good lighting.
Photo by Tropica Aquarium Plants
Spend some time preparing the plants prior to planting by dividing the plant mass into many individual plants. This will give you an improved chance of success. Also consider adding some root tabs or nutrition capsules to feed the plant roots. I recommend you dose your planted aquarium regularly with a liquid fertiliser as well.
Finding the right balance to promote plant growth but not algae growth can be challenging. Too much light and algae can outcompete the plants, too little and the plants may struggle and die. Be prepared to tweak the light intensity slightly to find what works for you.
Avoid difficult carpeting plants like dwarf baby tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides "Cuba"). This species is relatively fast growing but the plants require high light, nutrient rich substrates, and CO2 to thrive.
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