Red Root Floaters

Introduction

Add a splash of vibrant color to your aquarium with Red Root Floaters – a striking and unique floating plant that brings both beauty and functionality to your aquascape. Known for its stunning red roots and vibrant green to reddish leaves, this plant not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tank but also helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Origin

Red Root Floaters, scientifically known as Phyllanthus fluitans, are native to South America, where they thrive in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Their natural ability to float and spread quickly makes them a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a dynamic element to the water surface.

Scientific Name

The scientific name of this captivating floating plant is Phyllanthus fluitans.

Lighting Requirements

Red Root Floaters require moderate to high lighting to maintain their vibrant red roots and the rich coloration of their leaves. Providing 8 to 12 hours of light each day will encourage healthy growth and vibrant color development, especially under strong light.

Care Level

With a care level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, Red Root Floaters are relatively easy to care for. They are suitable for aquarists of all experience levels who want to add a beautiful and functional floating plant to their tank.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 2 to 12 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 8 dKH

Placement

As a floating plant, Red Root Floaters naturally rest on the surface of the water, creating a lush and colorful canopy that provides shade and shelter for fish below. They are ideal for adding depth and a sense of tranquility to your aquascape.

Growth Rate

Red Root Floaters have a fast growth rate, quickly spreading across the water’s surface under favorable conditions. Regular thinning may be necessary to prevent them from blocking too much light from reaching other plants in your aquarium.

CO2 and Fertilizer

Although not essential, providing supplemental CO2 and liquid fertilization will boost the growth rate and enhance the overall health and coloration of Red Root Floaters, making them even more vibrant.

Potential Problems

Red Root Floaters are generally hardy, but they may suffer from stunted growth or pale leaves if not provided with adequate lighting or nutrients. They can also become overgrown if not regularly thinned, which can block light from reaching other plants.

Compatible Fishes

Red Root Floaters are compatible with a wide variety of peaceful fish species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Betta Fish
• Gouramis
• Tetras
• Guppies
• Shrimp

Other Suitable Plants

To create a balanced and visually appealing aquascape, consider pairing Red Root Floaters with these complementary plants:

• Amazon Frogbit
• Water Lettuce
• Hornwort
• Java Fern
• Anubias

Tropical or Cold Water?

Red Root Floaters thrive in tropical water conditions, with a stable temperature between 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C) being ideal for their growth.

What Fish Can Eat It?

While most fish do not typically consume Red Root Floaters, some herbivorous species like Goldfish or certain Cichlids might nibble on their leaves. However, in a well-balanced community tank, they remain relatively safe.

A Fun Fact

Red Root Floaters are particularly valued in aquascaping for their ability to create a stunning floating mat of vegetation, with their vivid red roots and green to reddish leaves adding a striking contrast to the blue water below. This plant also provides excellent cover for fish fry and shy species, making it a functional and decorative addition to any aquarium.