A Comprehensive Plant Care Manual for Red Root Floater

A common aquatic plant found in freshwater aquariums all over the world is the red root floater. It is renowned for being low-maintenance, attractive, and advantageous for an aquarium's wellbeing.


This guide covers all the information you need about this plant. We can help you with anything from care to propagation!


Beautiful floating ferns like the red root floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) can breathe new life into your aquarium. It reacts well to a variety of growth situations and has vivid colors. Because of the plant's floating characteristics, it has a distinct beauty both above and below the water's surface.

This plant is indigenous to Central and South America. The Amazon River Basin is where it grows most frequently, in stagnant water-filled channels and ponds.

Red root floaters are in high demand among people who practice aquascaping and fishkeeping! They thrive in the majority of environments and don't need a lot of training to stay healthy. It makes no sense not to take care of this plant with all the advantages it offers!

Why Is It Beneficial to Put It in Your Tank?

Red root floaters have a lot to offer aquarists in addition to their visual benefits.

This plant's primary function in the aquarium is to offer some much-needed shelter. Red root floaters can offer some protection, whether you have timid fish or little critters who are at risk from bigger tank mates. The roots are thick despite being slender and dangle into the water column.

Tiny fish can swim into them for a little safety and cover. They're so entertaining that even fish will like them! A floating aquarium plant like this can help enhance survival rates if you intend to produce fish or shrimp.

The plant's surface covering is another noteworthy advantage. Red root floaters spread quickly. It doesn't take them very long to completely cover the water's surface.

By spreading out the light, this process makes the environment better for many types of fish and invertebrates. The issue of water improvement is the last.

Like all plants, this one absorbs nutrients as it grows through its roots. The closed environment is directly impacted by the roots because they are dipped into the water. Floating plants can remove contaminants that might hurt your fish and help oxygenate the water.

Appearance

Red root floaters initially appear to be a fragile "ground" cover. It has tiny leaves that resemble hearts. Each one has a deep pocket and a rounded form for a distinctive appearance.

The leaves are averse to water. Water splashed on them will simply glide off!

You might notice small blossoms arising if the water is in perfect condition! These are small, white flowers with six petals and an obvious stamen. Although flowering is uncommon, it is nonetheless a sight to behold.

The red root floater is equally stunning below ground. The deep red color of the root system is where the plant derives its common name.

The tiny and delicate root tendrils are removed one by one. But the roots develop into lovely masses that fish can swim through as huge clumps.

Size and Rate of Growth

Plants with red root floaters grow at a moderate to rapid rate. When the water is in good shape, it can spread swiftly!

If you are careless with maintenance, you can find yourself with a thick layer of floating leaves. Many novice aquarists are taken by surprise by it. Fortunately, using pruning to limit a plant's development isn't too difficult (more on that later).

The red root floater's individual leaves are initially modest. Yet they have the capacity to expand to a length of roughly one inch.