Red root floater

Description

Phyllanthus fluitans is a floating plant native to the American tropics. It belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae, which was previously considered part of the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant has a single leaf on each node, resembling an alternate leaf arrangement. Its submerged stem features tufts of red roots and round, water-repellent floating leaves with a heart-shaped base that conceal the stem. The leaves often have a convex center and even edges with the waterline. Under ideal conditions, tiny white flowers with six petals appear in the leaf axils. Leaf color depends on light intensity, darkening to brown-red hues under intense light. P. fluitans thrives in hard water with full sun exposure or softer water (7° dGH) with reduced light. It requires ample macro- and micronutrients for healthy growth. Emersed cultivation is also possible using a wet, nutrient-rich substrate like loam. Propagation is easy, as the plant readily branches out and divides into parts due to its fragile stems.