Zealandia Chain Sword (Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae) | Potted Live Aquarium Plant

Zealandia Chain Sword (Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae) | Potted Live Aquarium Plant

Create a lush natural carpet in your aquarium with Zealandia Chain Sword (Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae). This attractive New Zealand native features fine, grass-like leaves that spread through runners to form a dense foreground carpet. Its hardy nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquascapers. 

Ideal for freshwater planted aquariums, Zealandia Chain Sword provides natural shelter for fry and small fish while adding a vibrant green finish to your aquascape. With regular care and good lighting it gradually spreads to cover larger areas of the aquarium substrate. 

✔ Healthy potted aquarium plant

✔ Native New Zealand carpeting plant

✔ Fine, grass-like foliage

✔ Excellent foreground carpet plant

✔ Provides shelter for and baby fish

✔ Hardy and easy to maintain

✔ Suitable for low-tech and CO₂-enriched aquariums

Perfect For

• Nature aquariums
• Aquascapes
• Shrimp tanks
• Community aquariums
• Nano aquariums
• Tropical freshwater aquariums

Plant Information

• Plant Type: Carpeting plant
• Placement: Foreground
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Lighting: Medium to High
• CO₂: Optional (recommended for faster carpeting)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Supplied As: Potted live plant
• Typical Height: 7–12cm

Planting Instructions

Remove the plant from its pot and gently wash away the rock wool surrounding the roots. Divide the plant into several small sections and plant each section a few centimetres apart. As the plants establish, they will send out runners that gradually fill in the gaps, creating a lush carpet across the substrate.

Care Tips

Zealandia Chain Sword grows best in a nutrient-rich substrate with medium to high lighting. While it will grow without CO₂ injection, adding CO₂ and regular fertilisation will encourage faster spreading and a thicker carpet. Occasional trimming helps maintain a neat, compact appearance. 

Creature Culture Tip

For the quickest carpet formation, divide your potted plant into multiple smaller clumps before planting. Pair Zealandia Chain Sword with driftwood, rocks and taller background plants to create depth and a stunning natural aquascape.