Floating Fern
Salvinia natans
Salviniaceae
About
Floating fern is a small, annual aquatic fern from still and slow-moving fresh waters across Europe, Asia and Africa. Each plant carries a pair of oval, light-green leaves that ride flat on the surface, kept dry and buoyant by water-repellent hairs, while a fine, feathery submerged leaf hangs beneath like a root. It is one of the easiest floating plants, multiplying fast to blanket the surface with shade, cover and strong nutrient export.
Care
Simply float it on a calm surface with low to moderate light; no CO2 or substrate needed. Keep the leaf tops dry with an air gap under the lid and thin it often so it does not shade plants below.
Diet
A water-column feeder that draws nitrate, phosphate and iron through its submerged leaf and surface fronds; a light weekly liquid fertiliser keeps it lush, but it survives on tank waste alone.
Also in these lists
Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does a Floating Fern need?
- Floating Fern does best at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F), pH 6–8 and a general hardness of 3–18 °dGH.
- Where should Floating Fern be placed in the aquarium?
- Floating Fern works best floating at the surface and reaches around 4 cm.
- Is the Floating Fern suitable for beginners?
- Yes — Floating Fern is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.