• Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
  • Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
  • Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
  • Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
  • Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
1 5

Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae

A slow growing carpeting plant

£7.99
£7.99
  • Hurry, only 10 items left in stock!
Quick Facts

Rating:

Common name:

Origin: Australia

Position in Aquarium: Foreground

Grows up to (cm): 10 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Slow
Description

Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae is a fine, grass-like carpeting plant from New Zealand, producing small tufts of narrow, segmented leaves that spread via runners to form a low, natural-looking foreground carpet. It is a popular choice for low-tech planted aquariums where a grassy foreground effect is desired without the demands of CO2-dependent carpeting plants.

It is notably tolerant of lower light levels compared to many other foreground plants, making it accessible to hobbyists without specialist equipment. CO2 is not essential but speeds up the rate at which it spreads and fills in. Regular trimming encourages the plant to send out more runners and develop a denser, tighter carpet over time.

Supplied as an established potted plant, Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae suits aquariums from 40 litres upward. Planted in small tufts across the foreground, it fills in gradually to create a fine grassy carpet that suits naturalistic planted layouts and is particularly valued by hobbyists who want a foreground carpet without the complexity of a high-tech CO2 set-up.
Plant Sizes

You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
Shipping

Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae
Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae

Highly-rated foreground aquarium plant that "spreads nicely over time" through runners. Customers praised its health on arrival and tolerance to warmer water (22°C). Most reported successful growth, though some noted it's "slow growing" and may be eaten by tank inhabitants. One shopper experienced complete plant loss after a week, possibly due to shipping delays.

  • Looks lovely in the foreground, and survives at 22 deg which is a bit warm for coldwater plants
  • Nice plant for the front. Sends out runners so will spread nicely over time
  • My fish loved it so much they started laying eggs in it!
  • 5 stars: 12 (63%)
  • 4 stars: 6 (32%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 1 (5%)
C
Colin H.H. (Inverkeithing, GB)
Great little plant

Nice plant for the front. Sends out runners so will spread nicely over time

G
Gillian S. (Rossendale, GB)
What a winner!

I was introduced to this plant in a boxed set, and very impressed, so I chose it again. It looks lovely in the foreground, and most importantly it survives at 22 deg, which is a bit warm for coldwater plants, so will definitely have it again.

C
Colin S.
Review

Beautiful on arrival, green and health. But something in my tank has taken a dislike to it and I’m finding the leaves floating on the surface in the mornings.

K
Kenny F.
Review

Beautiful plants as usual. Having shopped here before I have never had a bad plant. Top marks Aqua Essentials.

R
Roger D.
Review

looks ok only been in the water a couple of weeks ,neither died nor grown

D
Dhuz G.
Review

Delicate in our tank. Removed it in the end to create more water space. Looked effective when it was in though.

R
Rob V.
Review

Slow ish grower but quality product

A
Adrian L.
Review

My fish loved it so much they started laying eggs in it!

F
Frank Y.
Review

Runners very slow growing, decide how much you need them double your order quantity. Very fresh looking on delivery. Generous amount in pot!

T
Thomas H.
Review

Lovely plant arrived healthy and now growing new crawlers in my tank

T
Thomas H.
Review

A really nice plant that is a bit long for carpet but looks great and I've decided to keep it longer so my foreground looks like long grass rather than thick short lawn. Definitely give it a go. Very healthy specimens received as always!

E
Eleanor H.
Review

Growing well, good buy :)

S
Simon C.
Review

Arrived in great condition growing really well

D
David F.
Review

Got three of these got up to 10 plants from each after two weeks they are all ready showing signs of growth in new areas
Lovely little plant for your foreground

M
Mark w.
Review

looked to be great plants until they were introduced into tank now have nothing left after a week .complete waste off money also these plants were in transit for a week just wondering if this caused the problem?

m
michael h.
Review

very good very nice pleased

L
Lina M.
Review

exact as per picture

S
Stewart T.
Review

Seems to be ok only just planted hoping it will grow to a carpet obviously with the help of the wave machine ( koralia1600 ) so will keep u posted,am very pleased with everything else I had from Aquaessential.only thing is posting is expensive only that isn't down to them

s
sue c.
Review

Very healthy plant with good root system

M
Margaret L.

Does this plant grow on top of the substrate or planted.?

Aqua Essentials

This plant is to be planted in the substrate.

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

Is Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae a good foreground aquarium plant?

Yes. Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae is best used as a foreground plant where its fine, grass-like leaves can spread across the front of the aquarium.

Will Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae create a carpet?

It can form a natural grassy carpet, but it usually needs patience, good light and a nutrient-rich substrate to spread well underwater.

Does Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae need CO2?

CO2 is not always essential, but it is recommended if you want faster, denser and more compact carpet growth.

How should I plant Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae?

Remove it from the pot, split it into smaller portions and plant the roots into the substrate a few centimetres apart. This helps it spread more evenly.

Does Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae need strong lighting?

Moderate to high lighting is best. If the plant is shaded or kept in low light, growth may be slower and it may not carpet as neatly.

Is Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae suitable for beginners?

It is suitable for patient beginners, especially in tanks with good lighting and a planted aquarium substrate. For a dense carpet, CO2 and regular care will give better results.

How do I maintain Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae?

Trim it when it becomes too tall or dense. Regular trimming keeps the carpet tidy and helps prevent older growth from shading new shoots.