Floating fern (Salvinia natans)
Care, watering, light and tips for Floating fern on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Salviniaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Floating fern
Salvinia natans, commonly known as Floating Watermoss, is a small, free-floating aquatic fern that forms dense green mats on the water's surface. Its oval leaves, covered with water-repellent hairs, give it a velvety appearance and make it ideal for ponds, aquariums, or paladaria where a natural touch and shelter for small fish are desired.
Native range
Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Care tips
This plant thrives in medium to high light; insufficient lighting can hinder its growth. It does not require substrate as it floats freely and benefits from still or slow-moving water. It is crucial to control its proliferation, as excessive growth can block light and gas exchange, affecting other aquatic plants and animals. Avoid excessive handling to prevent damage to its delicate leaves.
How to save a dying Floating fern
- Warning signs
- Rotting or browning leaves, reduced buoyancy, general discoloration.
- First aid
- Remove dead leaves, adjust light (reduce if excessive, increase if insufficient).
- What kills it
- Contaminated water, strong currents, nutrient imbalance, low temperatures.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and correct the issue. It's quite resilient.