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Common Salvinia

Salvínia mínima

Family: Salviniaceae
Genus: Salvinia

Difficulty

Easy

Light

Medium to High

Usage

Floating

Ideal Conditions

Temperature

18-32°C(opt: 26°C)

CO2

≤40mg/L

pH

5-8

Nutrients


Description

Salvinia minima is a floating fern originating from the American tropics. It has been introduced to the southern US, where it is considered an invasive aquatic weed. This species forms floating mats on stagnant waters. Its roundish to broad-oval leaves are 1-1.5 cm long and have a heart-shaped base. Stems branch out to around 10 cm before breaking off, producing new plants. The leaf surface features hairs that form groups of four, with unconnected tips. These hairs resemble eggwhisk shapes. Salvinia minima is an easy-to-grow floating plant for aquaria, thriving under moderate light. It grows quickly in nutrient-rich water with low current and may need to be netted regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Salvinia minima

Growth Rate

Very Fast

Nitrate (NO3): 10-50mg/L
Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-3mg/L
Potassium (K): 5-30mg/L
Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/L

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