Water Spangles

Salvinia minima

Family : Salviniaceae

PlantFreshwaterfloating

Small floating fern with round hairy leaves, very easy to grow.

Water Spangles — photo 1 sur 4 — Kurt Stüber [1] · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4

Popularity

Easy plant

standard lighting, few requirements

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

South America

Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

Salvinia minima forms rosettes of floating leaves 1-2 cm. Leaves are oval, covered with hydrophobic hairs. It has no roots, but modified submerged fronds. It multiplies quickly by division. It provides good cover for fry and reduces nitrates. In aquariums, it can cover the surface if not controlled.

Habitat

Region :

Still waters, lakes, marshes

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature20–28 °C

pH6–8

GH2–15 °dGH

KH1–10 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 30 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 3 mg/L

CO₂

≤ 0 mg/L

Light

Low

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

10 L

Min. group

Adult size

2 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Division

Care notes

Parameters: temperature 20-28°C, pH 6-8, GH 2-15, KH 1-10. Low to moderate lighting (0.3-0.5 W/L). No CO2 needed. Fast growth, remove excess regularly. Compatible with all fish. Minimum tank volume 10 L. Avoid strong currents. Can be used in outdoor ponds in summer.

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