What Are The Best Carpeting Plants In The Philippines?

What are the best carpeting plants in the Philippines?

Dwarf Hairgrass
Micro Sword
Tripartita Mini
Hemianthus Callitrichoides “Cuba”
Glosso

If you are a beginner to aquascaping, you might not be familiar with what to put in the aquarium. From filters, fertilizers, livestock, lights, plants, soil, all the way to rocks, — there are various options on what to include. But did you know about the importance of carpeting plants? If you’re interested in improving your aquarium, Aquascape Philippines listed down the best carpeting plants in the Philippines.

Carpeting plants fill the foreground and create lush greeneries. Furthermore, these increase the absorption of nitrates and make a great habitat for bottom dwellers such as shrimp and fry. Since they grow at the bottom of the tank and sometimes require extra care, knowing about the different types is essential. Continue reading to learn more.

Dwarf Hairgrass

The Dwarf Hairgrass is highly recommended for beginners. Anyone who just started aquascaping can grow this carpeting plant provided that there is CO2 in the tank. In addition, it tolerates broad water temperatures and can grow either emersed or submerged.

Dwarf Hairgrass can thrive under medium to high lighting but has a rapid growth rate. For this reason, you might want to use light strategically in your tank. Many aquascapists use this plant to achieve a terrestrial lawn grass effect because of its color and needle-like leaves.

Ideally, this carpeting plant should be planted ½ to 1 inch apart in the sand or fine gravel substrate to avoid overcrowding. Overall, Dwarf Hairgrass is easy to maintain and can withstand different water conditions.

Micro Sword

Also known as Copragrass, the Micro Sword is native to South America. As an attractive plant with blade-like green leaves, it spreads out as a thick carpet of grass. It can be moderately hard to grow as it calls for certain conditions to thrive. So, it would be best for experienced aquascapists to care for it.

For one, it cannot survive in low-light and low-tech aquariums. It requires CO2 and medium to high lighting. It also does not thrive when being shaded by larger plants. As opposed to regular aquarium gravel, a nutrient-rich substrate is needed to grow Micro swords.

The Micro Sword can be housed in water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It propagates from the many runners that branch from the root and it also grows fast. Hence, you can pull apart a piece of rhizome with a few blades on it for replanting. This will help in filling the bottom of the tank faster.

Tripartita Mini

Tripartita Mini, also known as Hydrocotyle “Japan”, is a carpeting plant from the family of Apiaceae. If you’re particular about the aesthetics of your tank, this is the perfect choice for you.

The distinguishing characteristic of the Triparti Mini is its unique clover-shaped leaves which can grow into a group of compact and light green bushes. Its shoots creep horizontally when planted.

This plant is relatively versatile and can be placed in the foreground or background of the tank. Despite requiring CO2, Triparti Mini is undemanding and will grow fast under moderate to high lighting. If you want a low growing carpeting, opt to frequently trim new growth. Propagating can be done by trimming stems and splitting clumps and roots.

Hemianthus Callitrichoides

Also known as Dwarf Baby Tears or Cuba, the Hemianthus Callitrichoides is both a popular and versatile carpeting plant that can even creep up and root on porous rocks and driftwood. However, the Hemianthus Callitrichoides is widely known for being a difficult plant to cultivate.

In terms of appearance, the plant falls nothing short of charming with its small rounded leaves and bright green color. It can be used to create a focal point among the other aquarium plants.

Many aquascapists know this plant will not thrive without CO2. It is also very sensitive to temperature and needs a perfect balance between high levels of lighting, additives, and fertilizer for optimum development.

To plant the Hemianthus Callitrichoides, you can pick the stems and plant them into a substrate with large spaces between one another. For a particularly dense effect, frequently trim the plant.

Glosso

The Glosso plant is highly sought after in the aquascaping world but it also calls for expertise. Originating from New Zealand, this bog plant grows in CO2-filled tanks with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

The main factor to consider with the Glosso plant is that it can reach the surface of aquariums, trying to receive adequate lighting. But if you strike the perfect balance of medium to high lighting, CO2, and adequate nutrients, it can grow beautifully at no more than an inch high.

Key Takeaway

If you want to purchase the best carpeting plants in the Philippines, we have stated five above. Remember to know how to care for the plants and they can grow beautifully in your tank.

If you are interested in carpeting plants, you can check our list of products here. We also offer a myriad of aquascaping items such as aquarium soils, substrates, filters, livestock, fish food, lights, tanks, and hardscaping materials.

Have any concerns? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here or via email inquire@aquascape.ph! We are ready to cater to your needs from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm.