Marsilea angustifolia in cup - Aquaflora

The Marsilea angustifolia, also known as Nardoo with a narrow leaf, is a aquatic plant belonging to the family of the Marsileaceae and native to Australia. It is part of the ferns (Monilophytes) and the Salviniales order. It is characterized by a creeping rhizome from which grow narrow leaves that form compact carpets.

This plant is suitable for cultivating in aquarium, but requires special care conditions and well defined water parameters. Its requirements include a moderate to high light, CO2 levels between 10 and 40 mg/l, carbonate hardness between 2 and 12, and a pH 5.5 and 7. It is able to tolerate temperatures between 20 and 28°C and needs nutrients such as iron, nitrate, phosphates and potassium to grow optimally.

In waterscaping, Marsilea angustifolia is particularly suitable for use as a prominent plant, thanks to its ability to form carpets of small leaves that contribute to creating a natural and pleasant aesthetic effect. The propagation of the plant occurs through stolons, division of the rhizome or the mother plant, and through the cutting of the seedlings daughters, thus allowing to expand its presence in the aquarium.

In nature, Marsilea angustifolia is widespread mainly in the northern, western and south-eastern regions of Australia, where it grows in aquatic habitats such as ponds, rivers and marshes, reflecting the optimal conditions for its development.