Salvinia

Description

Salvinia is a genus of floating aquatic ferns that are native to South America. The plant’s common name is water spangles, and it is popular among aquarium and pond enthusiasts due to its attractive appearance and ease of care. Salvinia has no roots and floats on the water’s surface, with its leaves serving as the plant’s main photosynthetic organ.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Pteridophyta

Class: Polypodiopsida

Order: Salviniales

Family: Salviniaceae

Genus: Salvinia

Appearance

Salvinia leaves are green and oblong, with a velvety texture and a small pocket of air under each one that allows the plant to float. The leaves are arranged in pairs, with one leaf being much smaller than the other. The larger leaf measures between 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide, while the smaller leaf is only around 0.5 cm long and 0.3 cm wide. Salvinia’s fronds can grow up to 3 cm long and 2 cm wide, with the plant’s size depending on the amount of available nutrients.

Care Guide

Water: Salvinia prefers fresh, clean water that is free from pollutants. It is important to monitor water quality and avoid using tap water that contains chlorine or other chemicals that can harm the plant.

Fertilization: Salvinia does not need fertilization if it is grown in nutrient-rich water. However, if the plant is grown in a nutrient-poor environment, a balanced fertilizer can be added to the water every two weeks.

Soil: Salvinia does not require soil, as it floats on the water’s surface. However, the plant needs a substrate or a surface to anchor itself to, such as rocks, driftwood, or other plants.

Sunlight: Salvinia prefers bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate some shade but may not grow as quickly in low light conditions.

Hardiness Zones: Salvinia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warmer water between 15-30°C. It can grow in hardiness zones 6-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Salvinia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by fungal infections, snails, and other aquatic creatures that may feed on its leaves. To avoid these problems, it is important to maintain proper water quality and to quarantine new plants before adding them to an existing aquarium or pond.

Habitat

Salvinia is found in slow-moving or still bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. It can also grow in ditches, marshes, and wetlands. The plant prefers warm, tropical climates but can also tolerate cooler temperatures in some areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Salvinia survive in saltwater?

A: No, Salvinia is a freshwater plant and cannot survive in saltwater.

Q: How fast does Salvinia grow?

A: Salvinia can grow rapidly under optimal conditions, with its fronds doubling in size every 2-4 days.

Q: Can Salvinia be grown in a closed container?

A: Yes, Salvinia can be grown in a closed container as long as it has access to light, nutrients, and proper water conditions.

Q: How do I propagate Salvinia?

A: Salvinia can be propagated by dividing its fronds or by removing a portion of the plant and replanting it in a new location.

Related Plants

• Azolla
• Ceratopteris
• Eichhornia
• Frogbit
• Water lettuce

References

• “Salvinia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 13 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286914>
• “Salvinia.” Aquatic Plant Central. Accessed 13 July 2021. <https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=57>
• “Salvinia.” The Plant List. Accessed 13 July 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Salvinia>