Water clover
Marsilea hirsuta
PlantsFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Maximum size
- 8 cm
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Light
- Medium
- Diet
- Photosynthetic
Care at a glance
Water clover, also called Marsilea, isn't a true plant but a fern relative, recognisable by its distinctive four-leaf-clover-shaped leaves. It spreads across the substrate on its own via runners, forming a natural-looking carpet.
With enough light it stays low and keeps that characteristic clover shape; in low light it grows taller and less compact, and the clover shape becomes less pronounced. Give it a loose, nutrient-rich substrate the runners can spread through, and be patient — a closed carpet forms gradually over time.
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.