Encyclopedia - Plants for ponds
Four-leaf Marsilea
Marsilea quadrifolia
Appearance: a fern plant with a creeping rhizome; from the rhizome arises an individual shoot, at the very top of which there is a single dark-green leaf divided into four parts, up to 5 cm in diameter.
A fern with uniquely shaped leaves that are borne on a creeping rhizome spreading across the substrate surface. The plant's height under aquarium conditions usually does not exceed 10–12 cm. Marsilea is placed in the foreground of the aquarium. It can be cultivated in a container of any size. In the aquarium it grows very slowly and therefore is relatively uncommon among aquarists. It grows evenly throughout the year.
Marsilea prefers a moderately warm aquarium with a water temperature of 18-22 °C, but the plant can also grow satisfactorily in a tropical aquarium. At temperatures below 16 °C growth practically stops. Water should be soft with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. In moderately hard water with a slightly alkaline reaction Marsilea grows very slowly. Water changes do not have a significant effect on its growth.
Marsilea is not very demanding regarding lighting. Light can be moderate. The plant tolerates prolonged shading satisfactorily. Natural diffused light is very beneficial. If the aquarium is located near a window, place Marsilea at the side facing the light. For artificial lighting you can use fluorescent lamps of the LB type and incandescent bulbs. In a tall aquarium with insufficient or no natural light, lateral lighting is useful. The optimal photoperiod for Marsilea is 10–12 hours.
The substrate should be nutritious and well-silted. Natural silt is usually sufficient for the plant, and additional feeding is not required. The character of the substrate is important for Marsilea, as it has a very weak, delicate root system. Coarse sand suits it best. You can even use ordinary river sand, laid specifically for Marsilea in a layer no more than 2–3 cm.
Propagation is by dividing the creeping rhizome, which can be split into pieces with 4–5 leaves each (preferably more). However, note that cuttings taken from the middle of the rhizome start growing very slowly and often die. For successful propagation it is better to take the terminal part of the rhizome with a well-defined growing point.
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