Contents
Description
Salvinia Minima, commonly known as the floating fern, is a small aquatic fern that is native to Central and South America. It is a popular plant for aquariums and ponds due to its unique appearance and ease of care. It is also considered an invasive species in some regions, including parts of North America and Australia.This fern is a free-floating plant that grows on the surface of the water. It has a distinctive appearance, with leaves that are bright green and rounded with a slight depression in the center. The leaves are covered in short hairs that help to repel water and protect them from damage. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not typically noticeable.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———– | ———— | ——-| ———-| ——————| —————–| ———-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Pteridophyta | Polypodiopsida | Salviniales | Salviniaceae | Salvinia |
Appearance
Salvinia Minima is a small fern that can grow up to 2.5 cm in length. The leaves are bright green and have a slightly rounded shape with a depression in the center. The leaves are covered in short hairs that help to repel water and protect them from damage. The plant does not have true roots, but instead has modified leaves that act as roots and absorb nutrients from the water.
Care Guide
Salvinia Minima is a relatively easy plant to care for and is suitable for both aquariums and ponds. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: This plant prefers still or slow-moving water with a neutral pH level. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefers warmer water.- Fertilization: Salvinia Minima does not require fertilization, but can benefit from the addition of liquid or substrate fertilizers.- Soil: This plant does not require soil as it is a floating plant.- Sunlight: Salvinia Minima prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can cause the plant to yellow and die.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvinia Minima is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the water is not properly maintained. It is also important to avoid introducing snails to the aquarium or pond as they can eat the leaves of the plant.
Habitat
Salvinia Minima is native to Central and South America, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia. It is commonly found in still or slow-moving bodies of water, including ponds, lakes, and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salvinia Minima be grown in a terrarium?
A: Yes, Salvinia Minima can be grown in a terrarium as long as the humidity levels are high and the water is kept still or slow-moving.
Q: Is Salvinia Minima an invasive species?
A: Yes, Salvinia Minima is considered an invasive species in some regions, including parts of North America and Australia.
Q: Can Salvinia Minima be propagated?
A: Yes, Salvinia Minima can be propagated by dividing the plant at the roots and replanting the new sections.
Q: Can Salvinia Minima be used as a food source for fish?
A: Yes, Salvinia Minima can be used as a food source for fish, but it should be used as a supplement to their diet rather than their primary food source.
Related Plants
– Salvinia auriculata- Salvinia cucullata- Salvinia molesta
References
– “Salvinia Minima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287151.- “Salvinia Minima.” Aquatic Plant Central, aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=16.- “Salvinia Minima.” Flora of North America, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101788.
