Description

Salvinia is a floating fern with oval leaves covered in water-repellent hairs, so droplets slide off and the leaf never waterlogs. It forms a surface carpet that diffuses light, something many fish from shaded waters such as bettas and gouramis appreciate. It absorbs nitrate quickly, so it also helps stabilise the aquarium.
Scientific name
Salvinia natans
Position
All
Difficulty
Easy
Natural grow
High
Max height
3 cm

🌊 Water parameters

pH
6 - 8
GH
3 - 18
Temperature
18 - 28 °C
Current
Low or moderate

Requirements

Light requirements
Medium
Light spectrum requirements
6000 - 8000 (Kelvin)
Require CO2
no
Soil requirements
Floating

Habitats

Sources

  • GBIF
    GBIF Secretariat (2026). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset. https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei. Consultado vía GBIF.org, 2026-08. Salvinia natans.

Taxonomy verified.

The aquarium care values (light, substrate, CO2 and water ranges) have no citable source: GBIF supports the taxonomy and distribution, not the cultivation. A source for plants is still to be agreed.