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
Rotala rotundifolia – Intense red color and fast growth
The Rotala rotundifolia in a mini pot is the perfect plant for those who want to bring color and dynamism to the bottom of their aquarium . Very popular in planted tanks, it develops green, yellow or red foliage depending on the light intensity . With strong lighting , its stems take on magnificent pink to orange-red tones. Sold in a mini coconut fiber pot, it is ready to plant , without preparation or separation of stems. It is a plant with a stem that is quick and easy to cut , ideal for creating a bushy effect. It adapts very well even without a Co2 system , and is easily pruned to maintain a nice density.
Foliage colored from green to red depending on the light
Salvinia minima - The perfect floating plant for your aquarium
Salvinia minima is a small floating fern that adds a natural and elegant touch to aquariums. Highly prized for its water-repellent leaves and rapid growth , it forms a green carpet on the water's surface, providing ideal shelter for fish and helping to limit algae growth. Easy to maintain, it grows quickly in optimal conditions and filters light for a more natural environment.
Decorative floating plant: Decorates the surface of the aquarium.
Balances the aquarium: Reduces nitrates and limits algae.
Anubias barteri nana – A robust and easy-to-maintain plant
Anubias barteri var. nana is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and experts alike. Native to Africa, it is distinguished by its thick, strong, dark green foliage that adds a natural touch to any aquarium. Its slow growth makes it low maintenance and does not require CO2 injection. This plant can be attached to an aquarium root or rock , providing a beautiful aquatic decoration. It is not eaten by herbivorous fish and can be grown submerged or semi-submerged. Its easy maintenance makes it an excellent choice for any type of tank.
Easy to maintain: requires neither CO2 nor intensive fertilization.
Ideal for any aquarium: adapts to various light and substrate conditions.
Resistant and aesthetic: tough foliage, not consumed by plant-eating fish.
Marsilea hirsuta - An easy-to-maintain natural carpet
Marsilea hirsuta from Tropica is a grassy plant ideal for the foreground of your aquarium . Native to Australia, this aquatic fern is perfect for creating a dense and natural green carpet. It seduces with its varied leaves ranging from clover-shaped to mini Glossostigma appearances depending on the conditions. Easy to live with, it grows slowly, remains low (between 3 and 10 cm ) and can do without CO2. It is therefore perfect for beginners as well as for experienced aquascapers. Marsilea hirsuta establishes quickly via its runners and requires little care. Its in vitro format ensures a plantation without algae or parasites for a quick recovery in your tank.
Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky Moss' – A lush and graphic moss
Taxiphyllum sp. 'Spiky Moss' , also known as spiky moss, is a spectacular aquarium moss with a distinctive appearance. With its dense, pine-like branches, it creates a natural yet structured decor. Offered here in in vitro culture by Tropica , it is 100% free of algae, snails, or parasites. It attaches easily to aquarium roots , rocks , or decorations, and grows between 5 and 10 cm depending on conditions. Thanks to its spreading habit and deep green hue, it can be used to create carpets, walls, or even miniature trees. Ideal for aquascaping, it adapts to all styles.
Dense and natural visual effect, close to Christmas moss
Easy attachment to all decorative supports
Perfect for creating green walls or shrimp refuges
Dreaming of a lush, natural plant carpet for your aquarium? Eleocharis acicularis is the plant for you! Easy to grow, it grows quickly and adapts to a wide range of conditions. Ideal for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike, this grassy plant forms a dense, attractive carpet. It guarantees a natural look while improving water quality. Grown in vitro, it is guaranteed to be pest-free, algae-free, and free from chemical fertilizers.
Easy to grow : ideal for creating a natural plant carpet.
Parasite-free : from in vitro culture, guaranteed to be free of algae and snails.
Adaptable : suitable for both nano-aquariums and large volumes.
Micranthemum Monte Carlo - The ideal plant for a lush carpet
Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo' is a ground cover aquarium plant that forms a dense, lush carpet in the foreground of the tank. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its light green, rounded, and very compact foliage , perfect for creating a natural plant substrate. Easy to maintain, it thrives with good lighting and a moderate CO2 system . This versatile plant can be grown in a "dry start" to encourage its rooting before immersion. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it enhances any type of aquarium by adding a natural and harmonious touch.
Creates a dense plant carpet for a spectacular aquascaping effect.
Easy to care for with regular pruning to prevent suffocation.
Compatible with various conditions , even under moderate lighting.
Staurogyne repens - A compact and robust aquarium plant
Staurogyne repens is a compact and resilient aquatic plant, ideal for the foreground of your aquarium. Native to the Rio Cristalino in Brazil, this plant forms a dense, low bush thanks to its small, bright green leaves. It grows slowly and adapts easily to different aquatic environments. Its maintenance is simple: with medium light and a moderate supply of CO2, it flourishes effortlessly. Perfect for aquascaping , it creates a superb plant carpet that will enhance your natural decor. Grown in vitro, it guarantees a healthy and pest-free introduction to your aquarium.
Limnobium laevigatum - A decorative and easy floating plant
Limnobium laevigatum , also known as Frogweed , is a floating plant native to South America. It is ideal for uncovered aquariums and adds a natural touch with its bright green leaves. Popular for its long roots that provide hiding places for surface fish, this plant is also an excellent indicator of nutrients in the water. Easy to maintain and with medium growth, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Aesthetic floating plant: Perfect for uncovered aquariums.
Easy to maintain: Low light and CO2 requirements.
Ideal hiding places: Provides shelter for surface fish.
Salvinia minima - The perfect floating plant for your aquarium
Salvinia minima is a small floating fern that adds a natural and elegant touch to aquariums. Highly prized for its water-repellent leaves and rapid growth , it forms a green carpet on the water's surface, providing ideal shelter for fish and helping to limit algae growth. Easy to maintain, it grows quickly in optimal conditions and filters light for a more natural environment.
Decorative floating plant: Decorates the surface of the aquarium.
Balances the aquarium: Reduces nitrates and limits algae.
Riccia fluitans - A versatile floating moss for aquariums
Riccia fluitans , also known as the water lily , is a highly versatile aquatic moss. Popularized by aquascaping master Takashi Amano , it can be used floating or attached to roots and rocks to create beautiful underwater landscapes. Easy to maintain, it forms oxygen bubbles when healthy and provides an excellent refuge for fish and shrimp. Whether you are an aquascaper or a beginner, this plant will enhance your aquarium.
Floating or fixed plant: Ideal for aquascaping and natural aquariums.
Rich in oxygen: Forms bubbles which indicate the good health of the tank.
Fry hiding places: Ideal protection for young fish and shrimp.
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis - A dense, natural turf plant
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis is a turf-like aquatic plant native to South America. It is perfect for creating a dense, natural-looking plant cover in the foreground of an aquarium. With its slow but robust growth, it adapts equally well to aquariums and outdoor ponds. It thrives in bright lighting and CO2 to accelerate its growth and achieve a truly turf-like effect.
Natural grass effect: Ideal for aquascaping and foreground.
Suitable for aquariums and ponds: Supports complete or partial immersion.
Easy to maintain: Slow but robust growth, requires little pruning.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
