Salvinia Cucullata care guide
Salvinia Cucullata (Salvinia cucullata) — medium light, 20-30 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Salvinia Cucullata (Salvinia cucullata) is an aquatic plant of the family Salviniaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Floating fern with cup-shaped, hairy leaves that form a thick mat at the surface. Provides excellent shade for shy fish and helps control nutrient excess.
Taxonomy
- Family: Salviniaceae
- Genus: Salvinia
- Scientific name: Salvinia cucullata
- Common synonyms: Asian Watermoss
Habitat
Salvinia is a genus of free-floating ferns (Salviniaceae) of still and slow tropical waters; the paired water-repellent upper leaves keep the plant afloat while a submersed leaf acts as a root. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-30 °C (68-86 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 4 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A floating plant that forms a surface mat, diffusing light and providing shade and shelter for surface-dwelling fish and fry. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Spreads vegetatively by fragmentation, with each detached portion continuing to grow; colonies expand quickly in warm, bright, calm water. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
Dense mats block light and gas exchange and must be thinned; some species are invasive weeds and should never be released to natural waters.