Marsilea

Description

Marsilea is a genus of aquatic ferns that have been around for over 200 million years. They are commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in tropical and temperate regions of the world. Marsilea is a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists due to its unique appearance and easy care.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Marsilea has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other aquatic plants. Its leaves are four-leaf clover shaped and range in color from light green to dark green. The leaves are attached to a long stem that can grow up to 12 inches in length. The plant can grow up to 6 inches in height and can form dense mats on the water’s surface.

Care Guide

Marsilea is an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists. Here are some tips on how to care for your Marsilea:

• Water: Marsilea prefers freshwater with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline water, but it may affect its growth.
• Fertilization: Marsilea does not require frequent fertilization. You can add a liquid fertilizer once a month to promote growth.
• Soil: Marsilea can be planted in substrate or attached to rocks or driftwood. It prefers nutrient-rich soil to promote healthy growth.
• Sunlight: Marsilea prefers moderate to high lighting. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow and stunt growth.
• Hardiness Zones: Marsilea can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warmer waters between 72-82°F.

Common Pests & Diseases

Marsilea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues that can arise:

• Algae: If the lighting or nutrient levels are too high, algae can grow on Marsilea. Reduce the lighting or adjust the fertilization to prevent algae growth.
• Snails: Snails can eat the leaves of Marsilea. You can manually remove them or use a snail trap to control their numbers.
• Fungal infections: Fungal infections can occur if the water quality is poor. Regular water changes and maintaining proper filtration can prevent fungal infections.

Habitat

Marsilea is commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in tropical and temperate regions of the world. It can grow in both shallow and deep water and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Marsilea grow in brackish water?

A: Marsilea is a freshwater plant and cannot grow in brackish water. It requires a stable freshwater environment to thrive.

Q: How fast does Marsilea grow?

A: Marsilea can grow up to 1 inch per week under optimal conditions. However, its growth rate can vary depending on the lighting, fertilization, and water quality.

Q: Can Marsilea be grown emersed?

A: Yes, Marsilea can be grown emersed. It will produce different leaf shapes and grow taller when grown above the water’s surface.

Q: Can Marsilea be propagated?

A: Yes, Marsilea can be propagated by separating the rhizomes and replanting them in the substrate. It can also produce sporocarps that contain spores that can be used for propagation.

Related Plants

• Ceratopteris
• Anubias
• Java Fern
• Cryptocoryne
• Rotala

References

• “Marsilea.” Aquarium Plants Factory, 2021, https://www.aquariumplantsfactory.com/collections/marsilea.
• “Marsilea.” Tropica, 2021, https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/MarsileaTenuifolia(049TC)/4461.
• “Marsilea.” The Spruce Pets, 2021, https://www.thesprucepets.com/marsilea-species-4127371.