Roots, stems, and slow-growing wonder.
Hundreds of species, each with its own temperament, light preference, and place in the composition. Browse by position in the tank.
Low-growing carpets and creeping plants that establish the floor of the scape.
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Cuba
CO₂
Required
Light
High
Growth
Slow
Care
DemandingPlant in dry start method for best carpeting results.
Eleocharis parvula
North America
CO₂
Recommended
Light
Medium
Growth
Moderate
Care
EasyDense planting accelerates carpet formation.
Glossostigma elatinoides
Australia
CO₂
Recommended
Light
High
Growth
Fast
Care
ModerateGrows toward light, ensure even illumination.
Marsilea hirsuta
Australia
CO₂
Optional
Light
Low–High
Growth
Slow
Care
EasyAdapts its leaf form based on light level.
Planting zones
Background
Tallest, rear of tank
Rotala, Vallisneria, Hygrophila
Midground
Flanking the hardscape
Anubias, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne
Foreground
Low carpet at front
HC Cuba, Glossostigma, Eleocharis
CO₂ Injection
Pressurized CO₂ systems unlock the fastest, densest plant growth. Liquid carbon supplements work for low-tech tanks. Many species thrive without supplemental CO₂ at all.
Lighting
Measured in PAR. Low-light species thrive below 50 μmol. Carpeting plants need 100–200+ μmol at the substrate level. Duration matters as much as intensity.
Fertilizers
Macronutrients and micronutrients fuel growth. Aquasoil substrates provide slow-release nutrients for 12–18 months. Liquid dosing tops them up after that.