Salvinia Minima (Sml Pot)

Silvinia (Floating Fern) is an ideal vivarium plant when it comes to a thriving enclosure. There are a number of benefits this fern is great for when it comes to planted tanks. If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for fern that is fully aquatic, Salvinia is a really affordable option to consider.

This is a substrate free, floating plant best left to float on the water – Its native habitat is standing or slow moving fresh water.

Besides the name Floating Fern, Salvinia is also referred to as Floating Watermoss and Water Butterfly Wings. These types of ferns are excellent for supplying shade over large areas of water. Providing both a refuge for small fish to take shelter and a natural filter from sunlight reducing the spread of algae.

This plant has cuticular papillae which is a unique layer of skin with hair follicles that keep this plant from rotting due to overexposure to the water. This allows the fern to continue photosynthesis while wet as well as makes it suitable for stronger sources of light. Being able to tolerate direct sunlight is a rare feature found in a fern. This makes floating fern a popular choice in outdoor ponds.

Another distinctive aspect of Salvinia is its root structure. Instead of long growing roots like most floating plants, this plant grows a single leaf that points down into the water. Though it is common to see some root-like strings of green hanging down alongside the leaves. Not only is this a good way to recognize Salvinia, but it also makes it ideal for enclosures that have narrow depths of water.

Providing artificial lighting that is close to sunlight creates the best environment for good growth and colour. One idea will be to place the enclosure close to a window. However, having strong LEDs close to the water surface will be ideal. Full-spectrum or UV lightings would also be a suggestion. We have a range of Plant Lights