Marsilea Quadrifolia

 Four Leaf Clover, European Waterclover, Water Shamrock

Care Level: Medium

Lighting: Low-High

Origin: Central Europe

Maximum Size: .5" - 3"

Water Conditions

Reccomended DH of Water: dGH 5 - 11 °N

Temperature:65°F-82°F

Nutrient Demand:Medium

Substrate Preference:Fine Gravel or Sand

PH:5.0-7.5

KH: Generally Undemanding

Supplements:Co2 Fertilization,Fertilization of Substrate

Propagation: Runners

Aquarium Uses:Foreground Plant,Carpeting Plant

Other Names: Four Leaf Clover, Water Shamrock, European WaterClover, MQ

Marsilea Quadrifolia (MQ) is an increasingly more commonly used foreground plant. It is desired for it's small size for use in nano and pico tanks.

MQ resembles a larger form of "Glosso" (Glossostigma elatinoides)*Link to Glosso's Page  and is closely related to Marsilea Minuta.

Although the demands of this plant are fairly low, MQ greatly benefits from C02 injection and will grow quickly under medium to high lighting. C02 injection is necessary when using lighting higher than Low. (See thread on DIY C02 Injection)

MQ will grow in long chains, occasionally splitting the chain into a second dimension. Under optimal growth conditions, MQ will quickly cover the substrate. Carpeting can be encouraged by cutting the connections between stems. This creates a new chain end and allows the plant to grow from more directions.

Depending on where you recieve your MQ from it will come in either immersed or out of water state. When grown out of the water it will grow taller stems and multiple leaves. If planted in substrate below the water level it will drop it's multiple leaves and depending on lighting, grow plants with one, two, three, and occasionally four lobes.

Marsilea Quadrifolia makes an excellent carpet plant for small and large tanks alike.

Enjoy!

Tony G

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUepckBz2S8