Care Level: Easy
Lighting: Moderate
Placement: Mid-ground
Water Conditions: 16-28 °C, KH 3-8, pH 6.5-7.5
Propogation: Runners
Max. Size: 5-30+ cm
Color Form: Green
Supplements: High Quality Aquarium Fertilizer, Substrate Fertilizer
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Alismataceae
Sagittaria subulata, also known as Dwarf Sagittaria, originates in South America and eastern North America, and is a perfect plant for beginners. This fast growing marsh plant has a green, grass-like appearance and its stemless, strap-shaped leaves will grow to form dense clusters that can eventually reach the surface of many aquariums. Dwarf Sagittaria can form a dense “carpet” due to its rate of growth and runner propagation.
Dwarf Sagittaria is a relatively undemanding species, but is sensitive to iron levels and will show deficiencies with yellowing leaves. This species can also survive in a nutrient deficient substrate as long as it receives plenty of light. Dwarf Sagittaria prefers moderate lighting at 2 or more watts per gallon from full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs and higher lighting may bring out an attractive reddish color in the leaves.
Dwarf Sagittaria propagates via runners that grow from established plants. To start a new cluster in a different location within the aquarium, cut the roots of the “baby” plant when it is approximately half the size of the “parent”, then replant it. Dwarf Sagittaria may occasionally send long flower stems to the surface that will produce small, white flowers just above the water level.
