Asian Watermoss

Salvinia cucullata is a floating fern used for surface cover. Its hooded floating leaves distinguish its appearance from flatter-leaved Salvinia forms, while finely divided submerged growth hangs below the surface. Choose it where there is room to maintain an open, manageable patch rather than expecting it to remain a small decorative portion.

It is very easy to cultivate and very fast-growing, with medium to strong light, an optimum of 24 to 28 °C and pH 5 to 8. Float it at the surface with the upper leaves exposed. Added CO₂ is not needed for that surface-growing use, but this does not mean nutrition and other growing conditions are irrelevant. Maintain a sufficient nutrient supply and inspect the leaves when growth slows or deteriorates.

Separate healthy branching portions to propagate. Remove surplus growth as coverage increases, leaving light available to the plants below and access for routine tank maintenance. Adjust thinning to the rate of growth and the amount of surface cover the tank can accommodate.