Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus fluitans): easy red floating plant
A compact, decorative floating plant... designed for low-tech setups
Phyllanthus is an ideal small floating plant, from nano to large tanks. Its hydrophobic leaves (with a “Salvinia” effect) form a mat that filters the light and reassures surface-dwelling fish (excellent with Bettas). Under strong light, it takes on a spectacular rusty-red hue, while its reddish roots also create beautiful plumes beneath the surface.
Phyllanthus, sometimes called “Red root floaters,” looks a lot like Salvinia, but it forms a less dense cover and, above all, turns red very easily.
Why choose Phyllanthus fluitans?
- Very easy to achieve a red color under intense lighting.
- No heavy technology: no CO2 needed (it is a floating plant), just sufficient lighting.
- Natural algae control: absorbs nitrates and phosphates at the surface and filters the light.
- Highly decorative roots: entirely red, they provide shelter for fry, which find abundant infusoria there, as well as for microfauna.
- Perfect for low-tech setups and aquascaping (a non-opaque, adjustable surface cover).
- Compact: also ideal for nano aquariums because it is small and not invasive.
Growing tips
- Light: medium to high (the red coloration is especially pronounced under strong light).
- Water and flow: still water, with little surface movement to prevent drifting and preserve the roots’ microbial environment.
- Nutrition: thrives in “living” water (with fish or shrimp). No fertilizer needed.
- CO2: unnecessary (it directly absorbs CO2 from the air).
- Maintenance: regularly remove excess plants to let light through and benefit submerged plants.
- Outdoors: only in summer, in a pond or container pond. Bring it indoors before the cold weather.
Possible uses of Phyllanthus
- Low-tech aquarium: natural light filtering, creating a reassuring environment for aquatic animals.
- Aquascaping: red/green contrast, decorative “curtain” roots because of their intense color.
- Bettas and surface-dwelling fish: shaded resting areas, reinforcement of bubble nests, infusoria for newly hatched fry.
- Pond and summer tub: a superb red touch on the surface (bring it indoors for winter).
FAQ – Phyllantus fluitans
How can I obtain a beautiful red color?
Provide strong light and an unobstructed surface (little shade). The roots, however, are always a deep red.
Does it need CO2?
No. Like all floating plants, it uses CO2 from the air.
Is it suitable for nano tanks?
Yes, it is one of the floating plants best suited to nano tanks.
Can it be mixed with other floating plants?
Yes (Salvinia, duckweed...). Simply monitor the surface coverage by regularly removing the excess.
Will it survive outdoors in winter?
No, it is a tropical plant: outdoors only in summer; bring the rootstock indoors before the cold weather.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Phyllantus fluitans
- Plant type: filtering floating fern
- Light: medium for a green color, stronger to obtain this superb red color.
- Temperature: 18 to 28°C. In an aquarium, or outdoors in summer. It will then turn a deep red in the sun.
- Water: it prefers still water or very low flow. Motionless surface. Tap water suits it very well.
- Size: the heart-shaped leaves do not exceed one centimeter, and neither do the roots.
- Packaging: 5 rosette plants (indicative weight: 10 g).
- Guarantee: no rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind. We grow it in truly natural conditions, with its microbiome.
- Recommendation: As a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild, even if it would not survive the winter in our regions. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be protected.
