Salvinia Cucullata

The Plant
A small floating fern with green, cup-shaped leaves that link up into a mat across the surface. It spreads quickly, is very easy to keep, and turns up less often than its cousin Salvinia minima. It arrives as a clump about 3 by 2 inches holding 30 to 40 leaves, and works in tanks and ponds alike.

Plant Care
Type: floating plant · Growth: fast · Light: low to medium · CO2: not required · Temp: 60–82°F · pH: 6.0–7.8

Planting Tips
Fine in any tank of 5 gallons or more. Float it in a calm area away from strong outflow, and scoop out extra growth every week or two so plants below still get light.

Why Shrimp Keepers Like It
Floaters are some of the best ammonia and nitrate sponges you can add. The fine roots under the mat give shrimplets cover and a place to graze biofilm, and the shade helps shrimp feel safe.

Photos © AquaticMotiv, used with credit.

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