Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marsilea Hirsuta
BeginnerMarsilea hirsuta
A foreground plant with four-leaf clover shaped leaves. Mysteriously becomes single leaf underwater.
About
Marsilea hirsuta is a small aquatic plant in the family Marsileaceae (a fern relative), native to Australia. The emersed leaves closely resemble four-leaf clovers, but the submerged form exhibits an intriguing dimorphism where leaves reduce to approximately one to two leaflets depending on conditions. Its very slow growth rate makes it easy to maintain its shape long-term as a foreground carpet plant. Popular as an easy-to-handle foreground plant for beginners due to its hardiness—growing without CO2 in low to medium light conditions. It spreads by runners at a gentle pace, eliminating the need for frequent trimming. Shallow root growth makes it compatible with both soil and sandy substrates. The charming four-leaf clover appearance brings a natural, whimsical quality to aquarium settings.
Size of the Marsilea Hirsuta
The Marsilea Hirsuta grows to 2-5cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Australia
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
2-5cm
Temperature
18〜28℃
Growing Tips
Lighting
A hardy foreground plant that grows in low to medium light. Strong light is not required; standard lighting keeps its shape for a long time.
CO2 & Fertilizer
It can be grown without CO2. Growth is very slow, so light fertilizing is sufficient.
Substrate & Attachment
Its shallow roots grow in either soil or sand. Plant shallowly in the foreground and leave space for runners to spread.
Trimming & Propagation
It spreads sideways by runners, but slowly, so frequent trimming is unnecessary. Divide spread clumps to propagate.
Cautions
Underwater the four-leaf form changes to one or two leaflets. Because growth is slow, the foreground carpet is easy to maintain long-term.
Marsilea Hirsuta FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Marsilea Hirsuta?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Marsilea Hirsuta get?
The mature size of Marsilea Hirsuta is 2-5cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QWhat is the typical price for Marsilea Hirsuta?
The price of Marsilea Hirsuta varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Sources: Ministry of the Environment Designated Invasive Species List (Invasive Species Act) / CITES Appendix II listed plant taxa (family and genus level)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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