Dwarf Sagittaria

Sagittaria subulata is an aquatic plant that grows as rosettes of narrow, strap-like, dark green leaves. It spreads very easily by runners and covers the substrate with a low lawn. It is one of the hardiest foreground carpeting plants: it needs no CO₂ and adapts to a wide range of temperature and hardness.

Its height depends on light: under strong light it stays at 5–10 cm and behaves like a true foreground plant. In weak light, however, the leaves can grow longer than 30 cm and the plant becomes suitable for the midground and background. This flexibility makes it a good option for those who want a carpet in an aquarium without CO₂.

• Separate the rosettes one by one, trim the roots slightly and plant them 3–4 cm apart.
• The crown, where the leaves emerge, should stay just above the substrate.
• Even if planted sparsely over a wide area of the foreground, the runners fill the gaps within a few months.

• Light: Medium; strong light is better for keeping it low.
• CO₂: Not required.
• Fertilizer: It feeds through its roots; root tabs speed up spreading.
• Trimming: Usually not needed. Old leaves that grow too long are cut at the base; runners spreading into unwanted places are pulled out.

It multiplies on its own and quickly by runners. When the new plants at the ends of the runners open a few leaves, they are separated and planted elsewhere.

• Leaves growing too long: the light is weak or it is being shaded by tall plants above.
• Yellowing leaves: lack of root nutrients, especially iron.
• Spreading getting out of control: runners push in among neighboring plants; thin them out regularly.