Salvinia Natans

Salvinia natans

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Polypodiopsida›Salviniales›Salviniaceae

📍 South America

Floating fern with oblong leaves and hairy water-repellent surface. Provides shade and cover for fish. Grows quickly in nutrient-rich water.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Small peaceful fish that benefit from shade provided by floating plants without damaging them

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp appreciate the cover and won't damage the plant; they help control algae on leaves

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful labyrinth fish that use floating plants for resting and breeding; won't uproot or destroy them

good

Amano Shrimp

Large shrimp that won't damage the plant and help maintain water quality in the planted tank

excellent

Java Moss

Excellent companion plant that creates a layered aquascape with Salvinia and provides additional cover

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, holes in leaves

Treatment

Add comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing macronutrients and micronutrients; perform regular water changes; consider adding root tabs if substrate is present

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating the hairy leaf surface, reduced light penetration, plant appears dull

Treatment

Increase water circulation, reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily, add algae-eating shrimp or snails, perform manual cleaning with soft brush

Root Rot

Symptoms

Blackened or mushy roots, plant sinking despite being a floater, foul odor from root area

Treatment

Improve water circulation and aeration, reduce organic waste buildup, perform partial water changes, remove severely affected portions of the plant

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration, transparent or dissolving leaves, plant breaking apart

Treatment

Acclimate plant slowly to new tank conditions, maintain stable water parameters, ensure adequate lighting and nutrients, quarantine affected plants separately