Eared Watermoss

A floating fern from a famously tangled species complex, Salvinia auriculata carries small round leaves whose fine, water-repellent hairs keep the upper surface dry and velvety while the roots trail below.

Salvinia auriculata is a floating fern from the Salvinia auriculata species complex — the taxonomy of this group is notoriously confused, and plants sold under this name may turn out to be Salvinia molesta or another close relative. For aquarium purposes they behave identically.

It grows fast under moderate light and does not need CO₂ or substrate. Temperature from 20 to 28 °C and pH between 5 and 8 suit it well. Like most floating plants, regular thinning is required to prevent it from covering the entire water surface and starving the plants below.

The roots provide cover for fry and absorb excess nutrients, making this a practical addition to a fry-rearing or shrimp tank. It is not winter hardy in most climates and should be kept indoors. Propagation is by leaf fragmentation or daughter plants.