Micro-Sword Grass is a great foreground decoration because if supplied with a high enough light intensity, it can actually achieve a dense “lawn-like” appearance!
Micro-Sword Grass resembles typical grass seen on house lawns which is where it gets the common name of “grass.” It only grows 4 to 7 inches in height, making it ideal for foreground aquarium plant cover.
It has a moderate growth rate, but can grow more quickly if provided with more intense light. In general, this plant is relatively easy to care for. Keep the water at a fairly neutral pH with plenty of nutrients. It can survive in either hard or soft water.
- For more information on keeping a planted aquarium see: About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium
Distribution
They originate in South America, namely Brazil, Paraquay, and Argentina. Today they are grown in aquaculture farms for the aquarium industry. In the wild they grow on the banks of low current rivers, marches, and ponds.
Water conditions
- Temperature: 70-80° F, 21-27° C
- pH: 6.8-7.5
- dKH: 4-8
Although these are the optimal conditions, they are often listed as tolerating temperatures as low a 15° C as well as ph from 6-8.
Lighting
Light level: Moderate to high. Micro-sword grass will grow and propagate more quickly with higher light levels.
Propagation
Micro-Sword Grass is propagated by runners, much like the terrestrial Bermuda grass..
Availability
The Micro-Sword Grass Plant is readily available, they are propogated in large quantities for the aquarium industry.
Featured Image Credit: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Steven Nichols, Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0