Planting Sagittaria Subulata

Sagittaria subulata creates a bright, grassy underwater display.

The sagittaria subulata, also known as the dwarf sagittaria or the awl-leaf arrowhead, is a hardy aquatic plant with thin stems and long leaves. It grows best in hard water but easily tolerates soft water. In high-light conditions its leaves reach lengths of eight to 16 inches, but it grows in low-light areas as well. It occasionally grows long, thin stems to the surface of the water that bloom small, white flowers. Planting sagittaria subulata requires very little time; be sure to place it in its final location, as it does not take well to replanting.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium sand
• Aquarium
• Scissors
• Long tweezers

Instructions

1. Pour at least two inches of aquarium sand into the bottom of a clean aquarium. You might wish to make the sand thicker in some areas to create a natural appeal on the aquarium floor.

2. Remove the pot containing the sagittaria subulata. If roots have grown through the pot, cut them away with scissors before removing the pot. Remove and discard the mineral wool or other substance surrounding the roots. Cut the sagittaria subulata’s roots to about two inches in length, using the scissors.

3. Grasp the sagittaria subulata just above the roots with a pair of long tweezers. Do not hold the plant too tightly, as this could damage its structure.

4. Poke the sagittaria subulata’s roots into the sand until the tweezers are just submerged. Gently shake the plant back and forth to settle the roots, then remove the tweezers.

5. Repeat the process with remaining sagittaria subulata. Fill the aquarium with water and proceed with any remaining setup. Ensure that the sagittaria subulata receives at least four hours of light a day. Maintain the water at a temperature between 65 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• The sagittaria subulata is a low-maintenance plant that works well in the middle or background of an aquascape.

• The sagittaria subulata puts out runners to propagate more sagittaria subulata, forming a carpet of plants in the aquarium. If you do not want the sagittaria subulata to propagate, cut the new plants at their bases when they appear.

• Do not plant the sagittaria subulata outdoors, as it is an invasive species and will quickly spread. Growing it outdoors is illegal in some areas.

References

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Plants Profile - Sagittaria Subulata
• Plant Finder: Sagittaria Subulata