Riccia (crystalwort)

Care at a glance

Riccia is not a true plant but a liverwort: it has no roots and consists of branching, translucent green threads that naturally float at the surface. Under good light it produces so much oxygen that the whole cushion becomes covered in bubbles.

To keep it as a low cushion on the bottom, tie or clamp it under a mesh or between rocks; unsecured it will sooner or later come loose and float up again. Trim it regularly, because a cushion that grows too thick dies off inside and then breaks away in pieces.

Related species

• Glossostigma carpetGlossostigma elatinoides
• Marimo moss ballAegagropila linnaei
• African water fernBolbitis heudelotii
• Dwarf baby tears (HC Cuba)Hemianthus callitrichoides
• Banana plantNymphoides aquatica
• Blyxa japonicaBlyxa japonica