Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as Red Root Floater , is a floating plant native to South America. It is particularly popular for its heart-shaped leaves , which take on a reddish hue under intense lighting . Easy to maintain, it grows quickly and creates a spectacular surface effect while providing ideal shade for fish such as bettas. Its red roots and white flowers add a natural and original touch to any aquarium.
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Easy to maintain: Low light and CO2 requirements.
A floating plant ideal for all aquariums
Phyllanthus fluitans is a floating plant that adds a touch of originality to the water's surface. It is distinguished by its rounded, hydrophobic leaves that form small air pockets, allowing it to float easily. The more intense the lighting, the more its leaves take on a reddish hue, making it particularly attractive.
Its red roots cascade underwater, providing a perfect refuge for surface-dwelling fish and invertebrates. This plant is ideal for betta splendens and other species that thrive in subdued light.
An ally against algae and excess nutrients
In addition to its unique aesthetic, Phyllanthus fluitans plays a key role in aquarium balance. It absorbs excess nutrients , thus limiting algae growth. Its rapid growth helps maintain cleaner and more stable water.
It can be combined with other floating plants to create a natural effect and perfect balance in the tank. However, if it grows too much, it is advisable to thin it out so as not to completely block the light from the submerged plants.
Foliage that changes depending on the lighting
Phyllanthus fluitans is unique in its ability to change color depending on light intensity. Under moderate lighting , its leaves remain green. However, under strong light, they take on a stunning coppery-red hue, adding a remarkable aesthetic dimension to the aquarium.
This feature also allows you to play with light intensity to achieve the desired effect in your tank. It thus offers a dynamic decoration that evolves over time.
How to properly use Phyllanthus fluitans in vitro?
This plant is grown in vitro in the laboratory, ensuring superior quality without unwanted pests or algae. To install it:
Remove the plant from its in vitro pot.
Rinse thoroughly under water to remove the nourishing gel.
Divide into several portions and arrange them on the surface of the aquarium.
Good maintenance involves monitoring growth and removing excess if it becomes too dense.
Technical characteristics
Origin: South America
Growth: Average
Height: 3 - 5 cm
Leaf diameter: 1 - 2 cm
Light requirement: Low to medium
CO2 requirement: Low
An aesthetic and functional plant for your aquarium
Phyllanthus fluitans is an ideal plant for aquarists looking for a unique and natural decoration. Its glowing foliage, aerial roots, and aquarium benefits make it a perfect choice for any type of tank, whether open or closed.
It is also very useful for creating a more serene environment by providing hiding places for surface fish. Its dense foliage allows them to feel safe, thus reducing their stress and encouraging more natural behavior.
How to plant the Phyllanthus fluitans plant in video?
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
JBL Tropol transforms aquarium water into tropical black water for the breeding of black water fish such as Characidae, Catfish, Apistos and Discus etc.
Sansibar DARK 5kg from JBL is a perfect root support : substrate for freshwater or saltwater aquariums and terrariums. Plants thrive: the size and density of the fine particles prevent the penetration of humus and other waste .
Very fine sand soil for all types of aquarium: soil substrate for freshwater or saltwater aquariums and for aquaterrariums or terrariums. Ideal for freshwater and seawater: the fine grain size and density prevent the infiltration of humus and other waste.
Utricularia graminifolia – Aesthetic and carnivorous plant carpet
Utricularia graminifolia from Tropica is a bit of a UFO among aquarium plants. With its miniature grass look and surprising carnivorous properties, this in vitro plant is a sensation in the foreground. It forms a pretty, dense, light green carpet , all in finesse, which dresses the aquarium floor with a stunning naturalness. In addition to its ultra decorative appearance, it feeds on microorganisms thanks to its small invisible skins , a real plus in well-balanced tanks. It loves light, thrives in soft water and prefers a dry planting to root well. With a good CO2 system and a little patience, it becomes the number one visual asset of your aquascape.
Forms a dense, natural green carpet in the foreground
Discreet and original carnivorous plant in the aquarium
In vitro, clean, algae and parasite free for easy integration
Rotala wallichii – Bright red stems and airy foliage
Tropica 's Rotala wallichii is an exceptional stem plant for enthusiasts who love challenges... and rewards. With its finely cut foliage and spectacular pinkish-red color in good lighting, it transforms an aquarium background into a living tableau. It grows up to 30 cm tall and offers a magnificent contrast with surrounding green plants. Very decorative when planted in groups, it requires strong lighting and a well-established CO2 system . Soft, slightly acidic water and good nutrients are also essential to reveal its full potential. A true star for well-maintained tanks.
Fine, colorful foliage, perfect for the aquarium background
Brings spectacular red and pink hues
Ideal for aquascaping tanks and experienced enthusiasts
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
