Brazilian micro sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Brazilian micro sword, Microsword, Lilaeopsis minor
Family
Apiaceae (carrot family)
Origin
South America: south-eastern Brazil to Argentina
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
7 cm
Temperature
15–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium light; moderate CO2 (6–14 mg/L) helps

Care

Brazilian micro sword is one of the classic carpeting plants. Lilaeopsis are small grass-like plants of the carrot family that spread by creeping rhizomes, forming lawns of narrow, upright leaves in wet places and shallow water. Wikipedia now treats it as a synonym of Lilaeopsis minor, but it is still sold under this name, mostly as tissue culture. Tropica rates it easy but slow. It reaches 3–5 cm in the first two months and forms a lawn 4–7 cm tall in strong light. Plant small clumps (about an eighth of a pot) a few centimetres apart in an open position where taller plants will not shade it. Medium light and moderate CO2 give the best carpet. It also grows in garden ponds and tolerates a little salt in brackish tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilaeopsis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by runners from the creeping rhizome. Divide the carpet into small clumps and replant them a few centimetres apart; they grow together faster than one large clump.

Compatibility and tank mates

Low carpeting plant: shrimp and small fish are ideal companions. Digging fish (many cichlids, large loaches, goldfish) uproot it before it roots in, and bottom-sifters such as corydoras can disturb young clumps.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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