Flaming Red Azolla

Introduction
When it comes to aquatic plants that combine aesthetics, ecological benefits, and low-maintenance requirements, Flaming Red Azolla stands out as a top contender. As a longtime hobbyist with over a decade of experience in aquascaping, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with dozens of floating plants. However, few have been as visually striking or ecologically impactful as the Flaming Red Azolla I recently purchased from Aquafy Aquatic Shop.

It’s been exactly 14 days since I introduced this beautiful aquatic fern into my backyard pond, and this review is based on daily observation, experimentation, and a bit of scientific curiosity. This isn’t just a customer review—this is a deep dive into everything Flaming Red Azolla has to offer.

1. Background: What Is Flaming Red Azolla?
Azolla, commonly referred to as mosquito fern or water fern, is a genus of aquatic ferns known for its fast-growing, floating mats and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It has been used for centuries in Asian rice paddies as a natural fertilizer, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae.

Flaming Red Azolla is a particularly vivid cultivar or strain that exhibits a deep red to burgundy coloration under certain environmental conditions, particularly under high light and nutrient-controlled environments. While traditional Azolla is green to reddish-brown, Flaming Red Azolla offers an intense crimson hue that can make any aquatic setup look spectacular.

2. Ordering from Aquafy Aquatic Shop
I discovered Aquafy Aquatic Shop through a recommendation on a plant hobbyist forum. Their website was easy to navigate, and their descriptions were informative without being overwhelming. I placed the order during their weekend sale, and within a few minutes, I received confirmation and tracking information.

The plant arrived in a well-insulated package, kept moist and secure in a breathable pouch. Upon opening it, I was delighted to see no sign of wilting, rot, or pests. The Azolla was vibrant, alive, and slightly red-tinted even before introduction to my pond.

3. Introduction to My Pond Ecosystem
Before introducing the Azolla, I ran a few tests on my pond:

Size: ~600 gallons

Water temperature: 22–26°C (72–78°F)

pH: 6.8

Light exposure: Full sun, 8–10 hours/day

Fish: Small koi and goldfish population

Other plants: Duckweed, Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce

I floated the Azolla in a shallow container for 30 minutes before gradually acclimating it to the pond water, avoiding any shock to the system.

4. Week-by-Week Growth Analysis
Day 1–3: Acclimation Phase
The Azolla remained afloat and retained its structure well. The fish were curious but didn’t nibble at it much, which was a relief. Initially, the color was more of a reddish-green with minimal pigment on the leaf margins. I noticed the leaves were tightly clustered, forming small rosettes.

Day 4–7: Spreading and Reddening
By day 4, I began to see expansion. The Azolla doubled its coverage area by day 7, and under the strong sunlight, the pigmentation started to shift dramatically. The vibrant red hue began to intensify, particularly during the midday sun. I reduced nitrogen input in the water slightly, which seems to enhance red pigmentation due to nutrient stress (a common trick used in aquascaping).

Day 8–14: Full Adaptation
The Flaming Red Azolla had become a dominant floating species by this point. I had to thin it out slightly to allow space for light to reach submerged plants. Its brilliant crimson tones caught the attention of every visitor to my garden. From a distance, it resembled a velvet carpet across the water’s surface.

The fish began to interact with it more often, seemingly using it as partial cover. Interestingly, the Azolla created microhabitats on the pond surface—tiny insects and even frogs could be seen resting on it occasionally.

5. Benefits I Observed
Aesthetic Value
Let’s start with the obvious—Flaming Red Azolla is gorgeous. Whether in a minimalist aquascape or a larger outdoor pond, the red coloration adds a splash of color that’s rare among aquatic plants. It provides a seasonal, autumnal charm all year round when managed properly.

Algae Control
By covering large portions of the water surface, Azolla helps reduce sunlight penetration, effectively limiting algae growth. I noticed a decline in filamentous algae, which had been a minor issue during spring.

Natural Fertilizer Potential
Though I’m not growing rice, the idea that Azolla can contribute nitrogen to the water intrigued me. It’s known to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, potentially benefiting surrounding plant life. However, in a closed pond system with fish, the practical impact is likely minimal but still worth noting.

Low Maintenance
Once established, Azolla grows rapidly but can be easily skimmed off and composted. It doesn’t root into substrate, so it doesn’t interfere with ...

I wasn’t sure if this plant would arrive ok and recover from the post but it’s worked out well. It’s multiplied so much in a very short time in my smaller pond. This is to allow it to grow for me to give regularly to my greedy shubunkins who reside in a bigger pond. It’s growing so fast it’s working out well. They look lovely too as a different colour to usual green. Definitely low risk ordering online from this company as they are quality plants and sent express postage.

Excellent

Flaming Red Azolla

Good strong and healthy