Salvinia Natans – Floating Fern

Salvinia Natans is a compact floating aquatic fern known for its small, paired green leaves that spread across the water surface. Its textured floating foliage creates an attractive natural cover and is particularly useful for aquariums where gentle surface shading is desired. Under favourable lighting and nutrient conditions, Salvinia Natans can reproduce rapidly and form dense floating colonies. It absorbs dissolved nutrients directly from the water column, helping utilize excess nutrients in the aquarium. Its submerged, root-like structures also provide useful shelter for fry, shrimp, and other small aquatic inhabitants. Regular thinning is recommended to prevent excessive surface coverage and maintain sufficient light for plants below. Suitable for: Freshwater aquariums / Ponds Placement: Floating / Water surface Growth: Fast Lighting: Low to Moderate CO₂: Not required Substrate: Not required Fertilization: Absorbs nutrients directly from the water column Propagation: Vegetative division / Fragmentation Leaf Type: Small, paired, textured floating leaves Leaf Colour: Light to medium green Growth Form: Free-floating aquatic fern Approx. Size: Individual floating leaves typically around 0.5–2 cm Difficulty: Easy Water Temperature: Approx. 18–28°C pH Range: Approx. 6.0–8.0 Maintenance: Low to Moderate; regular thinning may be required Special Benefit: Provides surface shade and cover while absorbing dissolved nutrients Best For: Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, breeding tanks and natural-style setups