Water spangles
Salvinia minima · Salviniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant water spangles: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Plant type
- Floating aquatic fern
- Family
- Salviniaceae
- Origin
- South America (Amazon basin)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, light to medium green
- Adult size
- 2 to 5 cm in height, horizontal growth
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Non-hardy, water 18–28 °C ideally
Care
Water immersion and circulation
Salvinia minima floats freely at the surface and requires only soft or slightly brackish water, between 18 and 28 °C. Ensure regular water circulation to prevent stagnation and limit algae buildup. A partial water change weekly (20 to 30%) maintains water quality and promotes plant vigor.
Light and photoperiod
This fern thrives under moderate to intense light, without direct harsh sunlight that could dry out its tiny leaves. 8 to 12 hours of daily light (natural or LED) is sufficient for balanced growth. Insufficient exposure slows its spread and can yellow the foliage.
No substrate and nutrients
Salvinia minima is a floating plant that requires no soil: it absorbs nutrients directly from the water through its submerged filamentous roots. Rich soil or substrate is not appropriate. It thus develops ideally in a water column balanced in macro and micronutrients.
Gentle fertilization
Apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks, especially if the water is very soft or frequently changed. Favor a formula low in nitrogen to avoid excessive growth that would block light and create competition with other plants. Observe frond color and vigor to adjust nutrient amounts.
Controlling proliferation
Salvinia minima grows very quickly and can colonize an entire surface within a few weeks. Regularly remove excess stems with your fingers or a net to allow light through and maintain harmonious composition. This operation also promotes oxygenation of the underlying area.
Preventing algae and rot
In stagnant or poorly oxygenated water, this fern can yellow and decompose rapidly. Filamentous algae also thrive on excess nutrients and weak gas exchange. Maintain regular water circulation, limit fertilizer, and ensure temperature stays stable to prevent any rot of delicate structures.
Did you know?
Salvinia minima is capable of doubling its biomass in just a few days, making it an invasive plant in several tropical and temperate regions. In Southeast Asia, it is sometimes deliberately cultivated to purify stagnant water or serve as a natural dietary supplement for certain farmed fish.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Water fernAzolla filiculoides
- Water spanglesSalvinia natans
- BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.