Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans L.
3–5 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
medium
CO₂ needs
20–27 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- floating
- Propagation
- fragmentation, separating offshoots
- Uses
- spawning site, nano tank
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
This small floating plant forms a light green network that can also be held on the decor to make a submerged cushion. It became famous in aquascaping for its bright carpets, although not all strains are equally suited to growing underwater. Floating, it gives cover to young fish.
- Scientific name
- Riccia fluitans L.
- Classification
- Marchantiales › Ricciaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
Europe, Asia, North America
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Countries where it is observed
Mosses are not in the Kew checklist of vascular plants: countries where GBIF has at least two observations on the native continents given by Flowgrow, unless a source is cited.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
At the surface its needs for light and CO₂ remain modest. Submerged on a stone or wood, it needs more light, CO₂ and nutrients. Hold it in place with a net or thread, then trim the thick parts so the shaded base does not die. Fragments let you renew the cushions.