Propagating Ricciocarpos natans (Purple-fringed Riccia)

How to multiply the floating liverwort Ricciocarpos natans by simply splitting its heart-shaped thallus, plus the conditions that keep this purple-fringed plant thriving.

Overview

Ricciocarpos natans is a floating liverwort whose aquatic form has a broad, heart-shaped thallus with long slender purple scales hanging from the underside, the feature that gives it its common name. It may form extensive floating colonies in quiet waters and is found almost everywhere except the polar regions.

Propagation Method

It spreads primarily through vegetative reproduction as the plants break apart; mature spore capsules are rarely seen in nature. So propagation simply means splitting the floating thallus into pieces, each of which continues to grow as a new plant. It also shows strong plasticity and can grow stranded as rosettes on mud.

Step-by-Step

1. Select a healthy floating clump with firm, well-coloured thalli.
2. Gently split or break the thallus into several smaller portions.
3. Float each portion on the surface of the target tank.
4. Leave the pieces undisturbed so they settle and resume growth.
5. Thin the colony again once portions have spread.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

The plant does best floating in quiet, still water where it can form extensive colonies. It grows readily even in laboratory cultures, which reflects how forgiving it is. Calm surface conditions and steady light keep the thalli compact and well coloured.

Maintenance

Maintenance is mostly thinning. As the floating colony expands, remove excess so light still reaches plants below. If a piece becomes stranded on damp substrate it can survive as a terrestrial rosette, but the aquatic floating form is what most aquarists want.

Common Challenges

Strong surface agitation breaks colonies apart and can scatter them, and heavy water movement is not ideal. The species is uncommon in tropical areas, so very warm tanks may suit it less well than cooler, temperate setups.