Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)
Create a vibrant, grass-like carpet in your aquarium with the Micro Sword, a popular foreground plant known for its lush green appearance and ease of care. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquarists, this plant adds depth and natural beauty to any freshwater setup.
Key Features
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Aesthetic Appeal: Features narrow, grass-like leaves that form a dense, lawn-like carpet, enhancing the visual appeal of your aquarium.
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Rapid Propagation: Spreads quickly through runners, allowing for easy coverage of the tank’s foreground.
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Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
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Versatile Placement: Perfect for the foreground, providing excellent spawning grounds and shelter for small fish and invertebrates.
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CO₂ Flexibility: Thrives without CO₂ supplementation, though additional CO₂ can enhance growth and density.
Specifications
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Scientific Name: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
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Common Names: Micro Sword, Brazilian Micro Sword, Copragrass
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Care Level: Easy
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Lighting Requirement: Moderate to High
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CO₂ Requirement: Optional
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Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
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Placement: Foreground
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Maximum Height: 2–5 inches (5–12 cm)
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Water Temperature: 70–83°F (21–28°C)
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pH Range: 6.8–7.5
🌱 Planting & Care Tips
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Substrate: Utilize a nutrient-rich substrate to support healthy root development.
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Planting: Divide the plant into small clumps and space them about an inch apart to encourage horizontal spread.
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Lighting: Provide moderate to high-intensity lighting to promote dense growth and prevent legginess.
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Fertilization: Supplement with root tabs or liquid fertilizers to supply essential nutrients.
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Maintenance: Regular trimming helps maintain the desired carpet effect and prevents overgrowth.
Aquascaping Inspiration
The Micro Sword is an excellent choice for creating a natural-looking foreground in your aquarium. Its bright green hue and grass-like texture complement a variety of aquascaping styles, from minimalist designs to intricate layouts. Whether you’re aiming for a serene meadow aesthetic or a vibrant underwater landscape, this plant adds a touch of elegance and realism to your aquatic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis)
How do I make Micro Sword spread faster in my aquarium?
Provide moderate to high lighting, nutrient-rich substrate, and consider CO₂ injection to encourage faster, denser carpet growth.
Can Micro Sword survive without CO₂?
Yes, it can survive without CO₂, but growth will be slower and the carpet may be less dense. CO₂ improves health and speed.
What tank size is best for Micro Sword?
Micro Sword works well in small to medium tanks, ideally 10 gallons and above, for creating a lush foreground carpet.
How often should I trim Micro Sword?
Trim every 2–4 weeks to promote horizontal spreading and maintain an even, green carpet in your aquarium.
What fish are safe to keep with Micro Sword?
Small, non-digging fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, and shrimp are ideal companions for Micro Sword.
Does Micro Sword need special substrate?
While it can grow in plain sand or gravel, a nutrient-rich substrate helps roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth.
Can Micro Sword grow emersed or only submerged?
Micro Sword can grow emersed in humid conditions, but it thrives and spreads best when fully submerged.
How long does it take for Micro Sword to form a full carpet?
With proper care, Micro Sword can form a dense carpet in 4–8 weeks, depending on lighting, nutrients, and tank conditions.
What water parameters are best for Micro Sword?
Ideal conditions are 68–82°F temperature, pH 6.5–7.5, and soft to moderately hard water for healthy growth.
Is Micro Sword suitable for beginner aquascapers?
Yes, it’s hardy and low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginners wanting a vibrant foreground carpet.






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