Floating Fern: Salvinia natans
A fast-growing floating fern with hairy, light-green leaves that provides excellent shade and nutrient export.
Floating Fern
Salvinia natans, commonly known as the Floating Fern, is an enchanting aquatic plant characterized by its lush, green, floating fronds that create a stunning visual appeal in aquascapes. This unique fern is distinguished by its small, oval leaves covered in fine hairs, which help it to float effortlessly on the water's surface. The plant not only adds a soft aesthetic but also plays a crucial role in creating a balanced aquatic ecosystem by providing shelter and shading for various aquatic organisms.
Care Guide
To maintain a healthy Salvinia natans population, it's essential to ensure the right conditions within your aquarium:
- Water Parameters: Maintain a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Lighting: Provide moderate to high light for about 8-10 hours daily. Ensure that the lighting is not too intense, as it may cause the plant to develop a pale appearance.
- Water Movement: Moderate water flow is ideal. Excessive currents may dislodge the floating fronds, while stagnant water can lead to decay.
- Pruning and Maintenance: Trim the plant back periodically to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate light penetration for submerged plants in the aquarium.
Nutrient Requirements
- Light: As previously mentioned, moderate to high lighting is crucial for the growth of Salvinia natans. Ensure that lighting is balanced to avoid excessive growth or algae blooms.
- CO2: Although not strictly necessary, supplementary CO2 can enhance growth rates and overall health. However, Salvinia natans is adaptable and can thrive without additional carbon dioxide injections.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength during routine water changes. Ensure that nutrients are well-dispersed throughout the water column, as floating plants benefit from both the substrate and waterborne nutrients.
Natural Biomes
Salvinia natans is indigenous to several lush environments. Explore its native habitats:
Livestock Compatibility
Floating Fern serves as an excellent addition to community aquariums, providing both cover and a naturalistic environment. Ideal tank mates include:
- Fish: Smaller species such as Tetras, Guppies, and Rasboras thrive well with this plant, benefiting from the shelter it offers.
- Shrimp: The amano shrimp and cherry shrimp particularly enjoy the protection provided by the dense fronds of Salvinia natans, which helps them evade predators.
Incorporating Salvinia natans in your aquascape not only enriches the visual dynamics of your aquarium but also contributes significantly to the ecological balance within the aquatic environment.