Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) is a compact, grass-like carpeting plant that forms a dense, bright green foreground mat. With proper light and care, it spreads by runners to create a natural lawn-like effect in aquascapes.

• Light Level: Medium to High (Fluval 3.0 recommended for dense growth; AquaSky suitable for moderate spread)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Requires root tabs (Easy Root Tabs or Seachem Root Tabs) and benefits from liquid ferts like Easy Green
• CO₂: Recommended for compact, fast carpeting—can grow without, but slower and taller
• Notes: Trim regularly to encourage horizontal spread and prevent overcrowding

Italian Val (Vallisneria spiralis) is a tall, grass-like background plant with long, ribbon-like leaves that sway gracefully in the current. Fast-growing and easy to care for, it’s ideal for adding vertical movement and natural cover to planted tanks.

• Light Level: Low to Medium (AquaSky or Fluval 3.0 suitable)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs (Easy Root Tabs or Seachem Root Tabs) and liquid ferts like Easy Green
• CO₂: Not required
• Notes: Spreads quickly by runners—great for filling in background areas and creating a dense, natural look

Moneywort is a bright green stem plant with small, rounded leaves that grow in neat pairs along upright stems. Easy to care for and versatile, it’s ideal for midground to background planting and adapts well to a variety of aquarium setups.

• Light Level: Low to Medium (AquaSky or Fluval 3.0 suitable)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate (can also grow emersed in paludariums)
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs and liquid ferts like Easy Green or Seachem Flourish
• CO₂: Not required, but promotes faster, denser growth
• Notes: Trim and replant cuttings to maintain shape and fill in background areas

Pearl Weed is a versatile, bright green plant with small, delicate leaves that can be trimmed into a dense carpet or left to grow as a soft midground bush. Fast-growing and adaptable, it brings texture and a vibrant look to any aquascape.

• Light Level: Medium to High (Fluval 3.0 recommended for compact growth; AquaSky suitable for lighter trimming)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs and liquid fertilizers like Easy Green
• CO₂: Recommended for dense carpeting and compact growth, but not required in moderate light setups
• Notes: Responds well to regular trimming—can be used as a carpet, bush, or even background filler depending on light and maintenance

Anubias Hastifolia is a unique Anubias species known for its long, arrow-shaped leaves and sturdy growth. It adds vertical interest to aquascapes and thrives in a wide range of setups. Like other Anubias, it's very hardy and ideal for beginners.

• Light Level: Low to Medium (Fluval AquaSky or Marineland LED are sufficient; brighter with Fluval 3.0)
• Placement: Attach to wood, rock, or decor – do not bury rhizome in substrate
• Fertilization: Benefits from Easy Green or Seachem Flourish; root tabs not necessary unless partially planted
• CO₂: Not required, but moderate benefit in high-light setups
• Notes: Grows tall with larger leaves – best for midground or background in low-tech tanks

Dwarf Sagittaria is a fast-growing, grass-like plant that forms low, bright green carpets or short midground hedges in freshwater tanks. It spreads easily via runners and is perfect for beginners looking to create a lush, natural aquascape.

• Light Level: Medium (Fluval AquaSky or Fluval 3.0 recommended)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs (Easy Root Tabs or Seachem Root Tabs) and liquid fertilizers like Easy Green
• CO₂: Not required, but helps create a denser carpet and quicker spread
• Notes: Can grow taller in lower light or develop carpet growth in brighter setups with consistent fertilization

Brazilian Pennywort is a fast-growing, versatile plant with round, lily pad-like leaves that add a unique look to any aquarium. It can be grown rooted, floating, or draped over hardscape, making it a flexible choice for aquascaping.

• Light Level: Low to Medium (AquaSky or Fluval 3.0 suitable)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate, floated, or anchored to decor
• Fertilization: Benefits from liquid ferts like Easy Green or Seachem Flourish
• CO₂: Not required, but enhances growth speed and leaf size
• Notes: Excellent for nutrient absorption and creating cover—great for shrimp and fry tanks

Ludwigia ‘Cuba’ is a stunning, high-demand stem plant with fine, needle-like leaves that display brilliant orange to deep red hues under strong light. It forms dense, bushy clusters and makes an eye-catching focal point in aquascaped tanks.

• Light Level: High (Fluval 3.0 strongly recommended for vibrant color and compact growth)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Requires root tabs and frequent liquid dosing with Easy Green and Easy Iron or Seachem Flourish + Flourish Iron
• CO₂: Strongly recommended for coloration, density, and health
• Notes: Best suited for experienced aquascapers; trim tops and replant to maintain shape—ideal for bold midground or background highlights

Hygrophila pinnatifida on Wood is a beautiful, fern-like aquatic plant with reddish-brown stems and deeply lobed green to bronze leaves. When attached to driftwood, it provides a natural and decorative look while offering cover for shrimp and small fish. This plant is epiphytic, meaning it does not need to be planted in substrate and grows well when tied or glued to hardscape.

• Light Requirements: Moderate to high

• CO₂: Recommended for best growth and coloration

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Placement: Midground or attached to hardscape

• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks 10 gallons and up

• Temperature Range: 68–80°F

• pH Range: 6.5–7.8 — Grows well in Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Care Level: Moderate

• Propagation: Side shoots or trimming and replanting

Giant Hairgrass (Eleocharis montevidensis) is a tall, grass-like plant that adds flowing movement and a natural look to background areas. With long, arching blades, it resembles a freshwater reed and is perfect for larger tanks or open aquascapes.

• Light Level: Medium (Fluval AquaSky or Fluval 3.0 suitable)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Benefits from root tabs (Easy Root Tabs or Seachem Root Tabs) and liquid ferts like Easy Green
• CO₂: Not required, but enhances growth rate and fullness
• Notes: Grows up to 20"+—ideal for backgrounds or tall scapes in larger aquariums

Creeping Rush (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis), also known as Micro Sword, is a bright green, grass-like plant that spreads horizontally to form a dense foreground carpet. It's ideal for natural-style aquascapes and provides excellent cover for shrimp and small fish.

• Light Level: Medium to High (Fluval 3.0 strongly recommended for dense growth; AquaSky suitable for lighter coverage)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Requires root tabs (Easy Root Tabs or Seachem Root Tabs) and benefits from liquid dosing with Easy Green
• CO₂: Recommended for compact growth and fast spreading, but can grow slowly in low-tech setups
• Notes: Grows by runners—regular trimming encourages a tight, even carpet

Rotala is a delicate and colorful stem plant with narrow, needle-like leaves that range from green to bright orange-red under strong lighting. It grows in a soft, flowing pattern and adds vibrant movement and contrast to planted aquascapes.

• Light Level: Medium to High (Fluval 3.0 recommended for best color and compact growth)
• Placement: Rooted in substrate
• Fertilization: Requires root tabs and benefits from liquid ferts like Easy Green and Easy Iron or Seachem Flourish + Flourish Iron
• CO₂: Recommended for rich coloration and dense, horizontal growth
• Notes: Trim frequently to maintain bushiness and prevent legginess—ideal for midground or background color accents