Origin: Australia
Usage: Foreground, Midground, Carpeting
CO2: Medium
Light: High
Care: Easy
Growth Form: Runners
Growth Rate: Fast
Height: 1.5 – 3”
Width: 2 – 10+”
Temp: 50 – 86F
Ranunculus inundatus, commonly known as the river buttercup, is a unique amphibious plant native to southeastern Australia, thriving both in the muddy banks and waters of ponds and streams. Known in the European aquarium hobby since the 1990s, this plant is celebrated for its attractive, low-growing form and adaptability to various setups. It adds a distinctive visual appeal to the aquarium foreground with its unusual, palm-like leaves and forked leaflets that stand out against other aquatic plants.
Growing similarly to Hydrocotyle and Marsilea species, the river buttercup develops creeping shoots along the substrate, with roots and leaf stalks emerging from each node. To achieve its most appealing, compact form, Ranunculus inundatus requires high lighting. When grown under lower light conditions, its leaf stalks elongate significantly, reducing its decorative effect. For optimal growth, a CO₂ level of approximately 30 mg/l combined with regular fertilization is recommended, ensuring the plant’s vibrant, green foliage and robust growth.
In addition to its popularity in aquariums, Ranunculus inundatus can also be cultivated emersed in wet, loamy substrates, making it suitable for outdoor garden ponds or container setups from late spring to autumn. During this time, it produces charming yellow flowers on upright shoots. While it may need an initial adjustment period in the aquarium, it eventually grows vigorously, forming attractive carpets of low-growing shoots, ideal for foreground planting or as a complement to sandy substrate areas in aquascapes.
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