Phyllanthus fluitans
Alternate Names:
Red Root Floaters
Phyllanthus fluitans brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.
Care At-A-Glance
Difficulty: Very Easy
Type: Floating Flowering Plant (angiosperm)
Size: Individual plants rarely exceed 2cm or 1”
Position and Usage: Floating plant with beautiful red coloration. Naturally cleans your water. Suspended root networks can be substantial and provide a much appreciated refuge for smaller fish and shrimp
CO2 Requirements: Not required Special requirements : Loves nutrient rich water. Higher lighting makes them redder. Grows better when there is less surface agitation
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Lighting: 2/5 – 5/5
Water Conditions: 15 – 30°C; pH of 6.0 – 8.4; Tolerant of a wide variety of pH and hardness levels
Propagation/Reproduction: New plantlets form from the mother plant and break off when they are large enough. Notes : NOT a fern (as commonly referred to) - these are angiosperms (flowering plants) and will produce small white flowers
Detailed Information
Overview
Phyllanthus fluitans (Red Root Floaters, RRFs) Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful floaters for an aquarium, Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as “Red Root Floaters” are beautiful plants from South America that will add a splash of color to your aquascape without needing much care. They thrive in almost any aquarium and have few special requirements.
They love nutrient rich water and (like all floating plants), act as living filters that remove harmful substrances from the water such as fish waste and heavy metals which makes your tank a healthier home for your animals and dramatically reduce the need for frequent water changes. Red Root Floaters can be fast growing and will compete with algae for nutrients as well as light.
References and Further Reading