Salvinia floating. Tropical weed, used in aquarium design

A fascinating aquatic plant called salvinia floating is frequently observed floating over the surface of tropical waters. Although it is regarded as a weed in the wild, aquascaping enthusiasts have discovered a special application for it. This plant gives aquariums a hint of lush, natural beauty and a peaceful, tropical atmosphere.

Distribution

The fern grows in ponds, lakes, and streams in latitudes with warm climates worldwide. It is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Its primary habitats are reservoirs with either very little or no current. It is mostly found in former riverbeds.

Growing and care

Unlike other aquatic plant representatives, salvinia floating and its varieties are not frequently used in aquarium keeping. To create an aquarium design that is as close to the natural habitat conditions as possible, aquascaping enthusiasts can plant them.

Floating salvinia is one way to help achieve the diffused light flux that certain plants require.

Salvinia natans should be cultivated in open aquariums. Water condenses on the lids of closed containers and drips down onto the leaves above the water. This has an adverse effect on the plant’s state.

Water parameters for ideal maintenance

The ideal conditions for growing heat-loving salvinias are tropical or mildly heated aquariums with a well-established ecology. The aquarium’s water needs to satisfy the following requirements in order for the plant to feel comfortable:

water temperature – the permissible range of values ​​​​16-30, the recommended values ​​​​are 24-28ºС;

hardness – up to 15º;

acid-base balance-permissible reaction level 5-8, optimal 6-7.5.

A weekly replacement of 25% of the aquarium’s total water volume is recommended.

Using distilled or osmosis water when changing water is not advised. Several elements required by Salvinia receive a fresh supply of water.

Although floating salvinia can withstand low temperatures, doing so can cause the plant to slow down and eventually die.

Lighting requirements

Salvinia plants require bright lighting, but it’s also critical to keep the leaves from drying out. Burning the leaf blades is a possibility when using metal halide and incandescent lamps. In order to generate an adequate amount of light, it is advised to install:

LED lamps with a power of at least 0.5 W / l;

fluorescent lamps with a power of at least 1 W / l.

A maximum of twelve hours of daylight are needed to keep the plant healthy.

Demanding soil, nutrient substrate

The plant never goes below the water’s surface, so it doesn’t require a specific nutrient-rich soil beneath it.

Verifying that the substrate does not significantly alter the acidity and other water parameters may be the most that is needed. Salvinia natans, in particular, will not be happy in an aquarium with soil that contains crushed stone or limestone.

Demanding of fertilizers

Since floating salvinia lacks a root system, nutrients are taken up by the plant through its leaves. Salvinia natans nutrition is based on:

Fertilizers are essentially unnecessary for floating salvinia in fish-filled aquariums. In essence, Dutch aquariums will require more feeding because they require macroelements, iron, and microelements.

Among the liquid fertilizers available are:

• JBL Ferropol for iron;

• Tetra PlantaMin — liquid feeding, which serves as a source of microelements and maintains the bright green color of aquarium plants;

• Tetra PlantaPro Macro with a high content of nitrates, phosphates and potassium.

Although salvinia floating is a fast-growing tropical aquatic plant that is sometimes considered a weed, aquarium designers are starting to use it in their designs. By absorbing excess nutrients, its delicate, floating leaves create a lush, natural surface cover that provides fish with shelter and contributes to the ecosystem’s balance. Although it needs to be carefully controlled to avoid overcrowding, salvinia gives aquariums a lively, tropical vibe and is a low-maintenance solution for improving both freshwater and planted setups.

Reproduction

Lateral shoots are how floating salvinia in aquariums reproduce. The shoots can be separated from the mother plant once the new plants have formed on them. The presence of two above-water and one underwater leaf is the primary requirement.

Controlling salvinia growth is necessary to prevent it from quickly covering the aquarium’s entire surface and obstructing nearby plants’ ability to receive light.

Spores are another way that Salvinia natans can proliferate in the wild. When cold weather arrives and the plant starts to lose its leaves due to low temperatures, it releases spore-filled balls. Spores from the balls start to form a new plant when spring arrives.

Variations and forms of the plant

Salvinia comes in a variety of forms that resemble floating. Despite having comparable maintenance requirements, they are more thermophilic.

• Salvinia auriculata. This Salvinia is also called the ear -shaped. Mainly grows in tropical and subtropical waters of North and South America. The stem reaches 12 cm in height, the leaf blade grows up to 4 cm in length. The leaves of Salvinia auricula have curved edges.

• Salvinia cucullata. The main difference of this plant is the conical shape of the leaves. It is mainly distributed in Southeast Asia.

• Salvinia sprucei. This salvinia has light green oval-shaped leaves. The leaf blade looks like a small boat.

• Salvinia oblongifolia. A plant with oblong wavy leaves, growing mainly in Latin America. The average height of the stem is 10 cm, the leaves reach 6 cm in length and have an elongated shape.

• Salvinia nymphellula. Small-leaved salvinia with small leaves up to 0.5 cm long. The plant is distinguished by its light green color and pimply surface of leaf blades.

• Salvinia Reusi. Similar in appearance to Salvinia oblongifolia. However, this light green plant has smaller oval-shaped leaf blades.

• Salvinia adnata. It is also called giant because of the size of the leaves. Originally grew only in Brazil, but was artificially distributed in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe. It is a weed that interferes with shipping and destroys native plants and animals. The leaves are partially submerged in water.

• Salvinia minima. Grows on the islands in the Caribbean Sea, in Latin America and in the United States, where it was brought in the 20s of the last century.

Salvinia floating	Aquatic fern used in aquariums for decoration
Origin	Tropical regions, often considered a weed in the wild
Appearance	Small, oval leaves that float on the water surface
Benefits	Provides shade, reduces algae, and offers shelter for fish
Care	Easy to maintain, requires moderate light and clean

An interesting addition to any aquarium is salvinia floating. It has a lovely, organic appearance due to its vivid green leaves and unusual floating quality. This plant serves a practical purpose by giving fish cover and assisting in the maintenance of water quality, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your tank.

Salvinia can grow quickly, but with regular trimming and maintenance, you can prevent it from taking over your aquarium. It is a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its adaptability to different conditions.

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