Salvinia minima
Salvinia minima Baker
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Planting & care
- PlacementFloating
- Growth typeFloating plant
- LightMedium
- CO2None
- Height1.2–2" (3–5 cm)
About this plant
Salvinia minima is a small floating fern from tropical America that forms rounded, water-repellent leaves across the aquarium surface. The fine hairs on each floating leaf prevent waterlogging, while the submerged leaf structures hang below the plant and provide shelter for fry and small invertebrates. It grows well under moderate light and becomes extremely fast in nutrient-rich, low-flow water. Regular thinning is essential because a closed surface mat can shade submerged plants and restrict gas exchange. Injected carbon dioxide is unnecessary, but consistent access to macronutrients and trace elements prevents pale growth. Salvinia minima propagates naturally as branching stems divide and fragments form independent plants. Its compact leaves suit open and nano aquariums, but removed material should be disposed of responsibly and never released into natural waterways.
Quick specs
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Light
- Medium
- CO₂
- None
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- Placement
- Floating
- Growth type
- Floating plant
- Aquarium suitability
- Suitable for aquariums Suitable for long-term aquarium use.
- Approx. height
- 1.2–2" (3–5 cm)
Water conditions
Plant reference ranges, not dosing instructions or measurements from your aquarium. Consider livestock needs and measured conditions.
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 5–8
- Carbonate hardness
- 0–21 °dKH
- CO₂ (mg/L)
- 0–40 mg/L
Growth & placement
- Growth rate
- Very fast
- Width
- 0.4–0.8" (1–2 cm)
- Propagation
- fragmentation and division
- Color
- Green
Grow it successfully
What you’ll need to grow Salvinia minima
Start with this plant’s documented care needs, then use an AquariumLesson calculator to size the setup for your aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Major group
- Ferns
- Family
- Salviniaceae
- Genus
- Salvinia
- Botanical name
- Salvinia minima Baker
