In-store pickup only.Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.
Salvinia (Salvinia minima), often sold as Water Spangles or Common Salvinia, is a fast-growing floating fern with paired oval leaves covered in tiny water-repellent hairs. It is an easygoing surface plant that needs no CO2, substrate, or special lighting, and its dangling roots make a perfect refuge for shrimp and fry. Sold as a live portion cup. Pair it with the rest of our freshwater aquarium plants.
Care Guide
Salvinia floats on the surface and feeds straight from the water column, so it is excellent at mopping up excess nutrients and shading out algae. It grows quickly under medium to bright light and is very temperature tolerant. The trailing roots beneath each cluster give shrimp, fry, and bettas cover and a surface to graze.
Thin it out every week or two so it does not blanket the whole surface, and keep some open water for gas exchange and for the plants below. Salvinia prefers calm water, since strong surface agitation can splash and rot the fuzzy leaves. Aim your flow away from the surface or use a floating ring to corral it.
Specifications
| Common Names | Salvinia, Water Spangles, Common Salvinia |
| Scientific Name | Salvinia minima |
| Plant Type | Floating |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Lighting | Medium to high |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Placement | Water surface (floating) |
| Temperature | 59 to 89°F |
| pH | 6.0 to 8.0 |
| Availability | In-store pickup only |
Why Hobbyists Love It
- Soaks up excess nutrients to help starve out algae
- Dangling roots are a favorite refuge for shrimp and fry
- Shade and cover for bettas and shy fish
- No CO2, substrate, or special equipment needed
Recommended Pairings
- More live aquarium plants to round out your aquascape
- Duckweed and Frogbit for more floating cover
- Freshwater shrimp, bettas, and nano fish that enjoy shaded surface cover
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special lighting or CO2?
No. Salvinia grows under standard aquarium lighting and draws nutrients straight from the water, so no CO2 is needed.
Will it take over my tank?
It grows fast. Scoop out the excess every week or two and keep some open surface for gas exchange and for the plants below.
Why are the leaves melting or rotting?
Salvinia dislikes water sitting on its leaves. Reduce surface agitation and keep the foliage dry on top, and it will bounce back quickly.
How do I get my plants?
These are in-store pickup only. We hold your order and cup it fresh when you arrive.
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