Phyllanthus natans. The only representative of the Euphorbiaceae that lives in water

One of the most interesting aquatic plants in the Euphorbiaceae family is Phyllanthus natans. Phyllanthus natans floats elegantly on water, in contrast to its relatives that flourish on land. It is unique among its family in that it has adapted to aquatic life exceptionally well.

This plant, which is typically found in still or slowly flowing water, is well-liked by aquarium hobbyists for both its usefulness and visual appeal. By absorbing excess nutrients, it helps to maintain water quality and gives fish a lush, green backdrop.

Phyllanthus natans is a low-maintenance plant that can give your aquarium a hint of natural beauty. It provides fish with a natural habitat and cover since it floats on water and forms a dense canopy. This plant is definitely something to think about for anyone looking to improve their aquatic arrangement.

Distribution

South America is home to Phyllanthus natans. It is found in the Amazon River basin, specifically in Brazil and Peru. In the wild, plants can be found on clay soils or on the water’s surface.

Growing and care

A beginner may find it challenging to cultivate Phyllanthus fluitans due to its high maintenance requirements. The plant’s deep red leaves, however, will please an expert aquarist. Some fish species and aquatic plants require diffused lighting, which floating phyllanthus can help create.

Large or medium-sized open aquariums are ideal for housing this representative of the aquatic flora. In tiny containers, it will be too confined. Phyllanthus fluitans is preferred by some owners to be planted in humid paludariums or greenhouses.

Water parameters for ideal maintenance

The recommended values of hydrochemical parameters are contingent upon the aquarium’s lighting level, as noted by experts. Now let’s look at the suggested values under both strong and moderate light flux.

Maintaining the following indicators is necessary when using medium-intensity lighting:

hardness — 1-8 German degrees;

acid-base balance — 5-6.

The acceptable ranges alter if the plant receives a lot of light:

hardness — from 8 to 14 German degrees, possibly even higher;

acid-base balance — 5-7.

Avoid creating an excessive current when configuring the filter. The reservoirs that Phyllanthus fluitans favors have a slow moving water current.

Lighting requirements

Bright lighting brings out the most beautiful aspects of Phyllanthus fluitans, as their owners have observed.

Fluorescent light bulbs with a power of 0.8 W/l are advised. Phyllanthus fluitans exhibits high photophilicity. As previously mentioned, one must ascertain beforehand the amount of light that will enter the aquarium and simultaneously make adjustments to the hydrochemical indicators.

Demanding soil, nutrient substrate

Phyllanthus fluitans is a floating plant that does not require fertile soil, despite having a developed root system. In this case, it’s important to concentrate on the aquarium’s other plants. Let us examine two possibilities:

The green "neighbors" planted in the ground have powerful root systems. In this case, you can use simple soil made of sand, gravel or pebbles, and feed the solitaires with tablet fertilizers.

Other plants in the aquarium need a nutrient substrate. For example, solid fertilizers can damage the root system, or there are not enough liquid fertilizers. In this case, it is necessary to select soils that will not greatly affect the hydrochemical parameters. Phyllanthus fluitans is quite sensitive to them.

Demanding of fertilizers

Fertilizers containing iron must be added in large quantities when cultivating Phyllanthus fluitans. Rich red, glossy leaves are more likely to be produced at higher concentrations of this microelement. Using liquid fertilizers containing iron chelates is recommended. Plants can more easily absorb the essential element when it is in this form.

The most widely used fertilizers among aquarists are as follows:

• Tetra Plant Flora Pride Red – liquid fertilizer for red aquarium plants. In addition to a large amount of iron, it contains potassium and manganese. The fertilizer is absorbed evenly through the leaves, helps maintain the rich red color of the leaves. Does not contain phosphates and nitrates.

• JBL Ferropol 24 – this fertilizer must be added daily. It helps maintain the bright color of the leaves, quickly dissolves in water, and is easily absorbed by aquatic plants.

• Florastim Fe – liquid fertilizer with chelated divalent iron and a high content of trace elements necessary for good growth of aquarium plants.

Although the plant does not require much carbon dioxide, it can be added at a concentration of 3-5 mg/l to preserve healthy growth and as a precaution.

Among aquatic plants, Phyllanthus natans is a rare find since it is the only member of the Euphorbiaceae family that can survive only in water. With its delicate, floating leaves, this fascinating species not only adds beauty to aquariums but also contributes to the ecosystem by giving aquatic life oxygen and shelter. Aquarists can better appreciate the variety of plant life and the unique requirements of aquatic environments by having a thorough understanding of Phyllanthus natans.

Reproduction

Phyllanthus fluitans divides independently to reproduce vegetatively. Lateral shoots are used in reproduction.

Variations and forms of the plant

Nearly every species in the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes Phyllanthus fluitans, grows on land. Additionally, the only aquatic plant is Phyllanthus fluitans.

This species, which can live in reservoirs as well as open clay soil, has evolved over thousands of years to become a unique representative of Phyllanthus due to its adaptation to aquatic life. Shrubs, herbs, trees, and desert succulents are examples of other Phyllanthus.

Salvinia auriculata is a species that resembles Phyllanthus fluitans in appearance.

Though it is now found on other continents, its origins are in the tropical regions of Central and South America.

Swamps and other freshwater bodies with stagnant water are home to Salvinia auricula. Also referred to as salvinia floating.

As it is an annual plant, it is essentially not bred in aquariums.

Among aquatic plants, Phyllanthus natans is a real gem. It is unique not only because it is the only member of the Euphorbiaceae family that can live in water, but also because of how versatile it is. This floating plant adds a touch of exotica and helps keep an ecosystem in balance, adding beauty and utility to aquariums.

Aquarium enthusiasts will find Phyllanthus natans to be a great choice due to its small, delicate leaves and rapid growth. It is ideal for people who wish to improve their tank without a lot of work because it is low maintenance and thrives with little care. It is also a useful addition to any setup because it helps control algae and gives fish cover.

Phyllanthus natans is a tiny plant with a lot of benefits. By selecting this plant, you’re improving the health of your aquatic friends’ surroundings in addition to adding a lovely touch to your aquarium. This plant is definitely something to think about for your aquatic haven, regardless of experience level.

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