Sagittaria subulata 'Needle Leaf' (also sold as Sagittaria sp. 'Needle') is a very narrow-leaved, compact arrowhead from the Sagittaria subulata group, forming grass-like clumps of fine, olive-green blades. Its leaves are much thinner and shorter than those of standard Sagittaria subulata, which makes it a neat, low-maintenance alternative where a finer grass texture is wanted. The exact origin of this form is unknown; it was kept in cultivation for decades before reaching the wider hobby, and Tropica now offers it as a tissue culture plant. A good choice for beginners.
Care tip: Give Needle Leaf moderate light and keep taller plants from shading it — it needs a little more light than standard Sagittaria subulata. Tissue culture plants arrive sterile and snail-free; rinse off the nutrient gel, split into small clumps, and plant them into the substrate. Expect a short settling period while they adjust to submerged growth.
Without CO₂ the leaves stay around 4 inches long and 1.5–2 mm wide; with CO₂ and plenty of nutrients they can reach about 12 inches and 3 mm. Growth is moderate, and a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs noticeably helps. It spreads by underground runners, which can be trimmed and replanted to extend or move the stand. Water parameters are forgiving — it tolerates a pH of 5.0 to 8.0 and a very wide temperature range of 39 to 86°F — so it suits both tropical and cool-water tanks. In strong light the green blades can take on a light brownish-red tint.
In the aquascape, Needle Leaf works as a fine-textured midground or background grass in nano and small tanks, planted in groups for a meadow effect. Its height sits between Vallisneria nana and dwarf Helanthium (Dwarf Chain Sword), so it fills the gap when Vallisneria is too tall and a chain sword carpet is too short. It pairs well with rocks, driftwood, and fine-leaved plants such as Monte Carlo or hairgrass.
This form was long known in the hobby only by working names such as Sagittaria 'filifolia', and has only recently become available in trade. Tropica itself describes it as likely a variation of Sagittaria subulata, so it is best regarded as a distinct narrow-leaved cultivated form rather than a formally described species.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Placement | Midground to Background (Foreground in nano tanks) |
| Max Height | 2–12 inches (about 4 inches without CO₂) |
| Light Level | Moderate |
| Temperature | 39–86°F |
| pH | 5.0–8.0 |
| CO2 Needs | Not Required |
| Origin | Exact origin unknown; the Sagittaria subulata group is native to eastern North America |
| Notes | Very narrow, grass-like leaves, smaller and finer than standard Sagittaria subulata. Spreads by runners into a dense clump. Needs more light than standard Sag and does not tolerate heavy shading. |
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