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Purple-backed Duckweed
Ricciocarpus natans
Plantae›Marchantiophyta›Marchantiopsida›Marchantiales›Ricciaceae
📍 South America
Heart-shaped floating liverwort with purple undersides. Larger than common duckweed and far easier to manage. Provides excellent shade.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters that won't damage delicate floating plants and benefit from the shade provided
Gentle invertebrates that graze on algae and detritus without harming plant tissue; thrive under floating plant cover
Small, peaceful fish that appreciate the shade and won't uproot or consume the floating plants
Calm surface-dwellers that coexist well with floating plants and benefit from the shelter provided
Excellent algae control without damaging plants; prefer shaded environments created by floating vegetation
Excellent companion plant; both thrive in low-light conditions and create a lush, natural-looking aquascape
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing fronds, stunted growth, pale coloration, loss of purple undersides
Dose liquid fertilizers (all-in-one or macronutrient blends) weekly; ensure adequate lighting and water circulation
Algae Overgrowth on Plant
Green or brown algae coating fronds, reduced light penetration, plant appears dull
Increase water changes, reduce lighting duration, introduce algae-eating fish or shrimp, gently brush off algae manually
Plant Rot (Decay)
Mushy, disintegrating fronds; foul odor; rapid plant deterioration
Remove affected portions immediately, improve water circulation, reduce organic waste buildup, perform partial water changes
Iron Deficiency
Yellowing new growth while veins remain green, weak frond development
Supplement with iron-specific fertilizer; dose according to product instructions; monitor plant recovery over 2-3 weeks
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Quick Facts
- co2
- not required
- lighting
- medium
- placement
- floating
- difficulty
- easy
- growthRate
- fast
Stats
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