Sagittaria subulata (dwarf sagittaria)

Sagittaria subulata (Dwarf Sagittaria)

Description:
Sagittaria subulata — commonly called Dwarf Sagittaria — is a grass-like aquatic plant that’s ideal for freshwater aquariums. It produces narrow, bright green leaves that form clusters and spread across the substrate via runners, creating a lush, natural carpet or midground bed in planted tanks. This species is very adaptable and beginner-friendly, thriving in a wide range of water conditions and lighting levels.

In the aquarium it may sometimes send up a long stem with small white flowers above the water surface. Under moderate conditions it stays relatively short, but in bright light or over time it can grow taller — making it useful as both a foreground and (if taller) midground plant.

Care Guide

Difficulty

• Easy — excellent for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Lighting

• Low to Medium: Enough for healthy growth and spreading.

• Moderate to High: Encourages denser, more compact carpeting.

• Does not require strong light, but it helps growth and runner production.

Substrate

• Best planted in a nutrient-rich substrate (aquarium soil or with root tabs).

• Can grow in inert substrate, but growth is slower.

• Fine sand or gravel works well because the plant spreads with runners.

Propagation

• Sends out runners that produce new plantlets.

• As runners grow, they fill open substrate, forming a dense carpet over time.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: ~68–82 °F (20–28 °C)

• pH: ~6.0–8.0 (tolerant of a broad range)

• Water Hardness: Tolerant of soft to moderately hard water.

• Doesn’t require CO₂, but CO₂ and nutrients will boost growth.

Placement

• Foreground: Most common, especially when kept shorter with adequate light.

• Midground: If light is lower or the plant grows taller than expected, it can also be used slightly further back in the layout.

Why Aquarists Like It

• Very hardy and adaptable — good for most tanks.

• Creates a natural carpet or grassy look.

• Provides cover for small fish and shrimp.

• Spreads quickly via runners when conditions are right.