Floating Crystalwort care guide
Floating Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans 'Floating') — medium light, 18-28 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Floating Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans 'Floating') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Ricciaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Bright green liverwort that traditionally floats in dense mats at the surface. Excellent for fry shelter and as a nutrient sponge; can be tied to stones for a 'pearling' carpet under high light and CO2.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ricciaceae
- Genus: Riccia
- Scientific name: Riccia fluitans 'Floating'
- Common synonyms: Riccia
Habitat
Riccia fluitans 'Floating' originates from cosmopolitan wetlands, where it grows in freshwater marshes, ditches and slow-moving streams, frequently emersed on seasonally flooded ground.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 2-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Nutrient demand: low
- Recommended placement: floating
- Typical trim interval: 14 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant floats at the surface.
Propagation
Propagation is by stem cuttings replanted into the substrate; daughter plants are separated once they have formed several leaves and visible roots.
Common issues
Pale or stunted new growth usually signals a nutrient or iron deficiency, while algae on older leaves often follows light that exceeds the available nutrients or CO2; correcting fertilisation and trimming affected parts resolves most cases.