No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Butterfly Salvinia
Salvinia auriculata
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Polypodiopsida›Salviniales›Salviniaceae
📍 South America
Larger Salvinia with paired, butterfly-wing-shaped leaves. Very ornamental floating plant with hairy, water-repellent upper surface.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters that won't damage delicate plant structures and benefit from the shade provided
Small, peaceful schooling fish that thrive under floating plant cover and won't uproot or consume the plant
Shrimp appreciate the shelter and won't damage the plant; they help control algae on plant surfaces
Peaceful and benefit from floating plant cover, though may occasionally nibble at plants if underfed
Bottom-dwelling catfish that won't interfere with floating plants and create minimal water disturbance
Excellent companion plant that creates a layered aquascape and provides additional shelter
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, and deterioration of older leaves
Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer regularly; ensure adequate lighting and CO2 availability; perform partial water changes to replenish nutrients
Algae Overgrowth on Plant Surface
Green or brown algae coating the leaves, reducing light penetration and aesthetic appeal
Increase water circulation, reduce lighting duration, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, perform manual removal, and maintain proper nutrient balance
Root Rot (Decay of Runners)
Blackened or mushy runners, plant fragments breaking apart, reduced growth rate
Improve water circulation and oxygenation; remove affected portions immediately; ensure water parameters are stable with adequate filtration
Excessive Shade from Overgrowth
Lower leaves yellowing and dying, reduced photosynthesis in underlying plants, fish stress from lack of light
Prune regularly to maintain 50-70% water surface coverage; remove excess runners and daughter plants; maintain consistent lighting schedule
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Butterfly Salvinia to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- co2
- not required
- lighting
- medium
- placement
- floating
- difficulty
- easy
- growthRate
- fast