Murdannia keisak - Plant

Murdannia keisak is an easily recognisable stem plant from Asia with upright, jointed stems and narrow, pointed leaves (similar to bamboo). The foliage is usually light green, while growing tips can develop reddish tones under strong lighting with CO₂. It grows quickly and branches readily after trimming, making it useful for building structured midground and background groups.

Compared with Vallisneria, which produces leaves from a basal rosette, Murdannia carries its foliage along individual stems. This gives it a more layered appearance and allows you to shape the planting through pruning. Its simple, slender leaves also contrast well with the feathery foliage of Myriophyllum mattogrossense.

Provide moderate to strong lighting and regular dosing with a complete aquarium fertiliser. CO₂ injection is optional but encourages faster, fuller growth. Trim the tallest stems regularly to encourage branching and keep the group below the surface. Leave space between stems so light reaches the lower leaves, and replant healthy tops when older growth becomes sparse.

Separate gently into individual stems or small portions. Remove the lowest leaves and plant the bare lower stems into the substrate with tweezers, spacing them around 2–3 cm apart. Once rooted and growing, trim above a leaf node to encourage side shoots. Replant healthy tops or longer side shoots to expand the group.