Long Leaf Salvinia care guide
Long Leaf Salvinia (Salvinia oblongifolia) — low light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Long Leaf Salvinia (Salvinia oblongifolia) is an aquatic plant of the family Salviniaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Salvinia with elongated leaves giving an unusual textured surface mat. Tolerates lower light than other salvinias; great for low-tech tanks needing surface coverage.
Taxonomy
- Family: Salviniaceae
- Genus: Salvinia
- Scientific name: Salvinia oblongifolia
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 South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- 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 low 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.