Salvinia Cucullata - Floating Plant

Salvinia cucullata is a less common floating fern with small nickel-sized leaves that cup upward into distinctive pouches filled with air. Unlike the flatter Salvinia natans, the cupped shape gives it a sculptural look from above and helps it stay buoyant.

It forms dense surface mats that shade the tank below — useful for discouraging algae, calming skittish fish, and giving shrimp cover. An excellent low-tech choice that needs no CO2 or special care.

Care Guide

• Family: Salviniaceae
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Placement: Floating
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care level: Easy
• Lighting: Low to high
• CO2: Not required
• Growth rate: Fast

Note: Keep the leaves dry from above and minimise surface splash — water sitting on the leaves causes them to rot.