Isoetes Velata Var. Sicula

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Mediterranean quillwort; Verschleiertes Brachsenkraut

Synonyms

Isoetes velata subsp. sicula

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Sicily, Sardinia, Southern Europe

Habitat

Temporary rain-fed pools and spring ponds that dry up in summer; survives dry periods via an underground corm

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 12 in (10 – 30 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

41 – 82 °F (5 – 28 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

GH

4 – 20 dGH

dKH

0 – 15 dKH

PAR

35 – 50 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Seeds

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Care guide

Overview

Sicilian quillwort is a lycophyte, not a true fern, forming a bulbous corm from which stiff, awl-shaped green leaves radiate in a rosette. Growth is slow and best supported by a nutrient-rich substrate with the corm left slightly exposed. It tolerates a wide temperature and pH range, suiting both cold-water and tropical midground or background plantings.

Care

A slow-growing lycophyte rather than a true fern, this quillwort forms a dense tuft of stiff, awl-shaped leaves rising from a bulbous corm. It tolerates a very wide range of temperature and pH, making it workable in both cold-water and tropical setups, though it does best under medium to fairly bright light to keep the foliage upright. Growth is unhurried and demands patience, but once established the plant is not fussy about day-to-day maintenance. Avoid burying the corm too deeply, since poor circulation around the base can lead to rot.

Planting & trimming

Plant directly into the substrate in small tufts, positioning the bulbous rhizome so it is not completely covered, since the corm needs some exposure to avoid rot. It works well as a solitary specimen or in small groups in midground or background positions, and pairs visually with broader-leaved plants due to its narrow, upright form. Little trimming is needed given its slow growth; simply remove old, yellowing outer leaves as they die back.

Fertilizing

Feeds primarily through its root system, so a nutrient-rich, fine-grained substrate such as sand or fine gravel amended with clay or loam supports the strongest growth. Root tabs placed near the corm periodically help sustain new leaf production, particularly in inert substrates. CO2 injection is not required but can speed up corm development and leaf turnover when combined with adequate light.

Propagation

Propagation from spores is possible but laborious, involving mixing macrospores and powdery microspores from mature outer leaves in water before sowing onto damp substrate, either emersed or submersed. Because of this complexity, vegetative division of the corm is rarely successful and the plant remains uncommon in the trade. Most hobbyist stock originates from limited commercial propagation rather than home splitting.

Problems

The corm can rot if fully buried or if water flow near the substrate is stagnant, so it should sit with its base just at or slightly above the substrate line. Because growth is slow, the rigid leaves are prone to collecting algae or debris over time, so gentle cleaning with a soft brush is sometimes needed. Otherwise the species is hardy and rarely troubled by disease under stable conditions.

Sources

1. Isoetes velata var. sicula - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
2. Isoetes Velata Var. Sicula | Barr Report Forum - Aquarium Plants
3. Isoetes velata var. sicula Aquatic Plant Care | Atlarium
4. Isoetes: Isoetes vetata var. sicula