Salvinia (floating)
Salvinia natans
PlantsFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Maximum size
- 3 cm
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Light
- Medium
- Diet
- Photosynthetic
Care at a glance
Salvinia is a floating fern with small, oval leaves covered in fine hairs that repel water, so they always stay dry even when pushed under. Beneath the surface hangs a plume of fine, root-like structures that shrimp and young fish like to forage among.
It grows fast, dims the light and takes up plenty of nutrients, which is useful against algae. Skim part of it off regularly so the surface does not close over completely, and keep an eye on plants below that would otherwise end up in the dark.
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.