Contents
Description
Salviniaceae is a family of aquatic ferns that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. These plants have floating leaves that are borne on a horizontal stem, and they are commonly known as water ferns. The leaves of Salviniaceae are highly modified and have a unique shape that allows them to float on the surface of the water.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Salviniales |
| Family | Salviniaceae |
| Genus | Salvinia |
Appearance
Salviniaceae plants have floating leaves that are densely arranged on a horizontal stem. The leaves are highly modified and have a unique shape that allows them to float on the surface of the water. They are typically oval in shape and are covered in small hairs that help to repel water. The leaves of Salviniaceae are green in color and have a slightly waxy texture.
Care Guide
Water
Salviniaceae plants require a lot of water to thrive. They should be grown in a container that is filled with at least 6 inches of water, and the water should be changed frequently to prevent stagnation.
Fertilization
Salviniaceae plants do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Soil
Salviniaceae plants do not require soil, as they are aquatic in nature. They can be grown in a container filled with gravel or sand to provide stability for the roots.
Sunlight
Salviniaceae plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can be grown indoors near a window or outdoors in a partially shaded area.
Hardiness Zones
Salviniaceae plants are not frost-tolerant and should be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salviniaceae plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to fungal infections if the water is not changed frequently.
Habitat
Salviniaceae plants can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They prefer to grow in still or slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Salviniaceae plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Salviniaceae plants can be grown indoors near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should the water be changed for Salviniaceae plants?
A: The water for Salviniaceae plants should be changed frequently to prevent stagnation.
Q: Are Salviniaceae plants susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: Salviniaceae plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to fungal infections if the water is not changed frequently.
Q: What hardiness zones are suitable for growing Salviniaceae plants?
A: Salviniaceae plants should be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Azolla
- Ceratopteris
- Eichhornia
- Lemna
References
- Cook, C. D. K. (1996). Aquatic plant book. SPB Academic Publishing.
- Salviniaceae. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 25, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salviniaceae
