Ophiopogon pusillus

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Scientific Name:

Ophiopogon pusillus

Common Name:

 Dwarf Mondo Grass / Mini Mondo

Family:

 Asparagaceae

Growth Type:

 Semi-aquatic / Marginal (Not a true fully-aquatic plant)

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General Description:

Ophiopogon pusillus is a fine-textured, grass-like plant that forms soft, compact green clumps. It brings a calm, natural forest aesthetic to humid terrariums, paludariums, and riverbank-style landscapes.

Although commonly sold as an aquarium plant, it does not survive long-term full submersion. Its natural habitat is moist soil with high humidity, where the leaves remain above the waterline.

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Ideal Environment:

• Terrariums and paludariums
• Riparium and pond-edge layouts
• Bioactive enclosures for frogs, geckos, isopods, and springtails

Light: Low to medium, indirect

Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)

Humidity: High (70%+ recommended)

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Cultivation & Care:

• Plant in moist, nutrient-rich soil; keep roots consistently damp.
• Do not submerge the foliage underwater.
• Trim periodically to maintain dense growth form.
• Can be easily divided to expand groundcover.

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Key Features:

• Creates a lush, natural rainforest style effect.
• Safe and ideal for bioactive ecosystems.
• Low-maintenance and highly adaptable in humid setups.
• Excellent for layering and building depth in planted terrariums.

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Important Note:

This plant is not suitable for long-term fully underwater aquarium use.

For true aquatic carpeting in aquariums, consider:

• Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf Hairgrass)
• Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
• Sagittaria subulata