Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (ADA Tissue Culture)

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, also known as Brazilian Micro Sword, is a popular foreground plant that adds a fresh, grassy aesthetic to any aquascape. With its thin, bright green, grass-like blades, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used to create a beautiful, natural-looking carpet across the substrate of your aquarium. This plant is particularly favored for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its versatility in both low and high-tech setups.

Our Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is offered in an ADA Tissue Culture format, which ensures that you receive healthy, pest-free, and algae-free plants straight from the lab. ADA Tissue Culture plants are grown in a sterile environment, providing a clean start for your aquascape and ensuring optimal growth right from the beginning.

Care Guide

Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis requires moderate to high lighting (2-3 watts per gallon or 30-50 micromoles of PAR at substrate level) to maintain its compact growth and achieve the best carpet effect. Under lower light, the plant may grow more slowly and become taller and sparser.
• Substrate: This plant thrives in a nutrient-rich substrate that supports robust root development. Using aqua soil or a similar nutrient-dense substrate will help Lilaeopsis brasiliensis establish quickly and promote healthy, lush growth.
• CO2 Injection: While CO2 injection is not absolutely necessary, it significantly enhances the growth rate and appearance of Lilaeopsis brasiliensis. In a CO2-injected tank, the plant will spread more rapidly and maintain a lower, more compact form.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH)

Planting and Preparation (ADA Tissue Culture)

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container: Start by carefully opening the ADA Tissue Culture container. Inside, you will find the Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plantlets embedded in a nutrient-rich gel, which helps the plant thrive during the cultivation process.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Remove the plant mass from the container and gently rinse it under lukewarm water to wash away the nutrient gel. It’s important to remove as much gel as possible to prevent any water quality issues in your aquarium.
3. Dividing the Plant: Once rinsed, gently separate the plant mass into smaller clumps or individual plantlets. These smaller sections will make it easier to plant and allow the plant to establish itself more evenly across the substrate.
4. Planting: Using aquascaping tweezers, plant the small clumps or individual plantlets into the substrate. Space them about 1-2 inches apart to allow room for growth and spreading. Make sure the roots are well-anchored in the substrate while keeping the blades above the substrate surface.
5. Initial Care: After planting, provide stable lighting and consider using a shorter photoperiod (6-8 hours) to prevent algae growth while the plants establish. As the plant begins to spread and fill in the gaps, you can gradually increase the photoperiod.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential for maintaining a dense, even carpet. As the Lilaeopsis brasiliensis grows, trim the tops to encourage horizontal spreading rather than vertical growth. Trimming also helps to prevent the plant from overshadowing itself, which can cause the lower leaves to die off.
• Fertilization: Use a liquid fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients, especially if you’re using an inert substrate. Dosing with a balanced fertilizer that includes both macronutrients and micronutrients will support healthy growth.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) help maintain water quality, which is crucial for the plant’s health, particularly in high-tech setups where nutrient levels can fluctuate.

Propagation

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis propagates through runners, sending out new plantlets that gradually spread across the substrate. Over time, these runners will fill in the gaps, creating a dense, continuous carpet. If you want to speed up the propagation process, you can manually divide and replant the runners to cover more area quickly.

Summary

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a versatile and attractive foreground plant that adds a vibrant, natural touch to any aquascape. Whether you’re creating a lush carpet in a high-tech planted tank or looking for an easy-to-maintain foreground in a low-tech setup, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is an excellent choice. Its adaptability, combined with the clean start provided by ADA Tissue Culture, makes it an ideal plant for both beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.

Enhance your aquarium with the vibrant, grassy texture of Lilaeopsis brasiliensis and create a beautiful, green carpet that brings your aquascape to life.