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Description
Riccia Fluitans, also known as crystalwort or floating liverwort, is a popular aquatic plant that is commonly used in aquariums and ponds. This plant is native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.Riccia Fluitans is a small, floating plant that grows in dense mats on the surface of the water. It is easy to grow and propagate, making it a popular choice for aquarists and water gardeners alike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Bryophyta |
| Class | Marchantiopsida |
| Order | Marchantiales |
| Family | Aytoniaceae |
| Genus | Riccia |
Appearance
Riccia Fluitans is a small, floating plant with a bright green color. It has a flat, ribbon-like shape with a thallus that is composed of many small, overlapping lobes. The plant grows in dense mats that can cover the surface of the water, and it is often used to create a lush, natural look in aquariums and ponds.
Care Guide
Riccia Fluitans is an easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips to help you care for your Riccia Fluitans:Water: Riccia Fluitans prefers clean, oxygen-rich water. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but it does best in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0-7.5.Fertilization: Riccia Fluitans does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from the addition of liquid or root fertilizers. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.Soil: Riccia Fluitans does not require soil as it is a floating plant. However, it can be anchored to rocks or driftwood using a fishing line or thread.Sunlight: Riccia Fluitans prefers moderate to high levels of light. It can be grown under both artificial and natural light sources.Hardiness Zones: Riccia Fluitans is not hardy and cannot survive in freezing temperatures. It is best suited for indoor aquariums or outdoor ponds in temperate or tropical regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Riccia Fluitans is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by algae growth, which can be controlled by reducing the amount of light or adding an algae-eating fish to the aquarium or pond.
Habitat
Riccia Fluitans is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of aquatic environments. It is commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater, including ponds, lakes, and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Riccia Fluitans be used in a saltwater aquarium?
A: No, Riccia Fluitans cannot survive in saltwater environments.Q: How fast does Riccia Fluitans grow?
A: Riccia Fluitans can grow very quickly under the right conditions, often covering the entire surface of the water in a matter of weeks.Q: How do I propagate Riccia Fluitans?
A: Riccia Fluitans can be propagated by dividing the plant into smaller pieces and attaching them to rocks or driftwood.Q: Can Riccia Fluitans be grown without anchoring it to anything?
A: Yes, Riccia Fluitans can be allowed to float freely on the surface of the water. However, this can lead to the plant becoming tangled and difficult to manage.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:
- Lemna minor (common duckweed)
- Salvinia natans (floating fern)
- Ceratophyllum demersum (hornwort)
- Hydrocotyle verticillata (whorled pennywort)
References
- “Riccia Fluitans.” Tropica. Accessed 3 June 2021. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Ricciafluitans(051TC)/4465
- “Riccia Fluitans.” Aquarium Plants Factory. Accessed 3 June 2021. https://www.aquariumplantsfactory.com/blogs/news/riccia-fluitans
- “Riccia Fluitans: Care Guide, Planting, Growing, and Propagation.” Aquarium Source. Accessed 3 June 2021. https://www.aquariumsource.com/riccia-fluitans/
