Floating Watermoss
Salvinia natans · family Salviniaceae
- Light
- Medium
- CO₂
- Not required
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 2–20 °dGH
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Height
- up to 3 cm
- Placement
- Floating
- Root feeder
- No
Pros and cons
- Creates shade without fully covering the surface
- Great for nano tanks
- Soaks up nutrient excess
- Sensitive to condensation — leaves sink
- Stays small under low light
Description
A small floating plant with oval velvety leaves. Less aggressive than pistia — won't take over the whole surface.
Care
Just place it on the water. Doesn't like condensation — needs ventilation.
FAQ
- How does salvinia differ from water lettuce?
- Salvinia is smaller (1–2 cm leaves vs 5–10 cm for pistia), spreads slower, and works in smaller tanks.
AuthorGoldie Editorial
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Salvinia natans · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22