Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (commonly called Brazilian micro sword) is a popular aquatic plant used in aquascaping, especially for creating grass-like carpets in freshwater aquariums.

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Overview

• Origin: South America (Brazil)
• Type: Foreground carpeting plant
• Growth form: Low, grass-like runners
• Height: ~3–7 cm (1–3 inches)
• Color: Bright to medium green

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Aquarium Use

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is widely used in:

• Nature-style aquascapes
• Dutch-style layouts (as foreground texture)
• Nano aquariums for scale effect

It spreads via runners, forming a dense lawn over time.

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Care Requirements

Lighting

• Medium to high light recommended
• Low light is possible, but growth will be:
  • Slower
  • Taller and less compact

CO₂

• Not required but highly beneficial
• With CO₂:
  • Faster spreading
  • Thicker, denser carpet

Substrate

• Fine-grain substrate works best
• Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs greatly improve growth

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to medium

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Growth & Maintenance

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate
• Spreads by sending out horizontal runners
• Trim occasionally to:
  • Maintain low height
  • Encourage horizontal spreading

Tip: Plant in small separated clumps (not one big bunch) to help it carpet faster.

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Common Issues

• Melting after planting: Normal transition phase
• Vertical/stretchy growth: Usually due to insufficient light
• Algae buildup: Happens if growth is too slow (often low CO₂/light imbalance)

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 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Natural grass-like appearance
• Hardy once established
• Suitable for beginners (with patience)

Cons

• Slow to carpet without CO₂
• Can trap debris if very dense
• Requires trimming to stay neat

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