Aquarium Plants Profile: Sagittaria subulata
(Narrow Leaf Sag)
To ask a question about this aquarium plant email:
Don Matakis
The width of each stem is about .25 inches, based on leaf growth
Moderate to high lighting (1.5 - 4 watts/gal)
Optimum temperature range is 64.4 to 82.4 degrees
Sagittaria subulata is an ideal, undemanding foreground plant whose short runners form a compact group. Place individual plants 2-4 cm apart. In the aquarium it sometimes sends a long flower stem to the surface, and small white flowers unfold just above the water surface. (Partial Excerpt From Tropica)
Sagittaria Subulata is an easy to grow rosette plant that will thrive in most aquariums. The plant typically grows to a height of 8 to 16 inches, usually tallest under high light conditions. The width of each stem is about .25 inches, based on leaf growth.The leaf is linear to strap shaped light green submersed.
In order to achieve strong growth the substrate should contain iron and light is less important. Planted in a group or as a standalone this aquarium plant can be striking. Sagittaria Subulata can grow well in both hard and slightly soft water. Optimum growth temperature is 64.4 to 82.4 degrees. It can withstand temps from very low to 84 degrees.
Sagittaria subulata requires low to high lighting (1.5 - 4 watts/gal), Saggitaria Subulata grows quickly and propagates by runners which will form a dense grouping producing 2 - 3 leaves and one runner per month.
Don's Notes:
My experience with this aquarium plant is that Sagittaria subulata is very easy to grow and does not like to be disturbed once planted. In most instances this aquarium plant does not grow higher than about 8 inches! This makes it an excellent candidate for sides and corners in the aquarium or to offset driftwood or rocks! The best way to plant Saggitaria subulata is to push the roots all the way down and then pull up so that just the top of the root crown is showing. When this plant is growing well, the number of leaves and runners will increase in a monthly period. Sagittaria subulata does much better with sufficient iron fertilizer in the substrate. An individual plant has a fountain appearance. This plant is also found in brackish waters and so will do well in a brackish setup!
This aquarium plant is indigenous to the Eastern U.S. and South America.
Don Matakis is the Aquatic Grower & Senior Aquaculturist for freshwateraquariumplants.com