Description
Salvinia minima is a popular and easy-to-grow free-floating fern known by common names like Water Spangles or Floating Fern. Native to the warm, still, or slow-moving freshwater environments of South and Central America, it forms mats of attractive green leaves on the water surface. Its unique leaves are covered in stiff, branched hairs that trap air, providing buoyancy and a water-repellent surface. A third, submerged leaf hangs down and functions like roots. Its rapid growth and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a favored choice for aquarists looking for a surface plant.
Care
Salvinia minima is very adaptable. Provide moderate to high light, avoiding intense direct sunlight that can cause burns or algae issues. It prefers warmer temperatures between 21-28°C but can tolerate a wider range. It is not picky about water chemistry, tolerating pH from 6.0-8.0 and a wide range of hardness. It thrives in still or slow-moving water, as high surface agitation can be detrimental. As a floating plant, it absorbs all necessary nutrients directly from the water column. Supplementation with liquid fertilizer can boost growth, and light green leaves may indicate a need for micronutrients.
Propagation
Propagation is incredibly simple due to its rapid asexual reproduction. The plant naturally fragments, with any piece of the rhizome capable of developing into a new plant. You can easily propagate it by gently separating daughter plants from the parent or by cutting the rhizome with scissors. Be prepared for exponential growth!
Trimming
Due to its fast growth rate, regular trimming is necessary. Simply remove excess plants from the water surface to maintain adequate light penetration for plants below and ensure gas exchange at the surface.
Notes, Tips, and Considerations
- Be aware that Salvinia minima is considered an invasive species in many regions due to its rapid growth and ability to form dense mats.
- Regular pruning is essential in contained environments like aquariums or ponds to prevent it from overcrowding the surface and negatively impacting the ecosystem below.
- In an aquarium, it can help absorb excess nutrients, provide shade which can help control algae in the tank itself, and offer shelter for fish.
- It is not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
- It has been studied for potential use in removing heavy metals and organic waste from water (phytoremediation).
Origin
- Regions
- South America, South, Central
- Argentina, Brazil
- Central America
- Mexico
- North America
- South America, South, Central
- Habitat: swamp, river, lake, pond, marsh, wetland
- Water Type: freshwater, brackish
- Water Depth: 0.1 – 2 m
- Water Flow: still, slow
- Light: medium, high
- Temperature: 15 – 32 °C
- Humidity: high
- Substrate: soil, mud, floating
Closing
Whether you call it Water Spangles or Floating Fern, Salvinia minima offers a beautiful and functional addition to the water surface of your aquarium or pond. Just be mindful of its vigorous growth and enjoy managing this fascinating floating plant!
Shipping Restrictions
for Salvinia minima
We try to follow standards and regulations set out by the government closely to help keep our environment clean and our hobby fun.
This item cannot be shipped to the following provinces:
- Ontario
Due to certain restrictions, your order will be cancelled if items are shipped to these restricted provinces.
Ontario
From the ontario.ca page:
Watermoss species can have a range of negative impacts in ecosystems they invade, including:
- reducing biodiversity by creating dense mats on the water's surface, which blocks sunlight from reaching native species
- reducing dissolved oxygen levels in water which can lead to fish kills
- negatively impacting recreational activities such as boating and swimming
- clogging water infrastructure, including hydro-electric power station intakes
Read more on our ethics page.
If you have any questions about these restrictions, or if you spot a regulatory issue we should review, please contact us and we will be glad to help.
