Brazilian Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis)

Brazilian Micro Sword | Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Compact Carpet Forming Oxygenating Pond Plant for Clear, Healthy Water

Brazilian Micro Sword (Lilaeopsis brasiliensis) is a unique oxygenating pond plant that creates a dense carpet of fine green foliage across the pond floor. Unlike many taller oxygenating plants, this attractive aquatic species remains low growing, forming a lush underwater lawn that adds texture, natural beauty, and valuable ecological benefits to ponds of all sizes.

With its slender grass-like leaves and compact growth habit, Brazilian Micro Sword is ideal for pond keepers looking to create a more natural appearance beneath the water’s surface. It spreads gradually through runners, producing an attractive green carpet that helps soften the appearance of pond shelves and exposed planting areas.

As an oxygenating plant, Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plays an important role in maintaining water quality. During daylight hours, it releases oxygen into the pond while absorbing excess nutrients that would otherwise encourage unwanted algae and blanketweed growth. This natural filtration process helps support clearer water and a healthier aquatic environment.

Its dense foliage also creates valuable shelter for pond life. Small fish, tadpoles, newts, aquatic insects, and freshwater snails all benefit from the protection provided by the fine leaves. The plant acts as a natural refuge from predators while creating ideal conditions for wildlife breeding and feeding.

Brazilian Micro Sword is highly versatile and can be planted on marginal shelves or deeper areas of the pond, making it suitable for a wide variety of pond designs. It performs best in full sun or partial shade where it receives sufficient light to support healthy growth and oxygen production.

Although not a native UK species, it has become increasingly popular in wildlife and ornamental ponds due to its attractive appearance and practical benefits. Its low-growing habit also makes it particularly useful in smaller ponds where larger oxygenators may become overwhelming.

Easy to maintain and slow growing compared to many aquatic plants, Brazilian Micro Sword is an excellent choice for pond owners seeking a tidy, attractive oxygenating plant that delivers year-round benefits for water quality and wildlife.

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Key Benefits

• Creates a dense underwater carpet effect
• Excellent oxygenating pond plant
• Helps improve water clarity naturally
• Absorbs excess nutrients that feed algae
• Provides shelter for fish, amphibians and aquatic insects
• Suitable for pond shelves and deeper water
• Low-growing and tidy appearance
• Ideal for wildlife ponds and ornamental ponds
• Easy to maintain
• Adds texture and interest beneath the water surface

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Reasons to Buy

• Unique carpet-forming aquatic plant
• Supports a healthy pond ecosystem
• Helps reduce algae naturally
• Creates valuable wildlife habitat
• Suitable for small and large ponds
• Attractive grass-like appearance year-round

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Care Instructions

• Brazilian Micro Sword thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers clean, well-lit water. Place the aquatic basket on a marginal shelf or pond base at a depth between 0cm and 60cm.
• Allow space for the plant to spread naturally. Although growth is relatively slow, it will gradually form an attractive carpet over time.
• Minimal maintenance is required. Remove any yellowing or damaged foliage and thin out overcrowded growth if necessary. This helps maintain healthy growth and encourages fresh new shoots.
• Generally resistant to pests and diseases, Brazilian Micro Sword is an easy plant for beginners and experienced pond keepers alike.

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Flowering Period

May to August Small, inconspicuous flowers may be produced during the growing season, although the plant is primarily grown for its attractive foliage and oxygenating benefits.

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Brazilian Micro Sword will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 2 Litre Basket – usually 17cm diameter × 13cm round or 19 × 19 × 9cm square, depending on the plant

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

Explore more oxygenating pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range.