(the clump)
Water crowfoot (Ranunculus inundatus): small buttercup carpet for aquarium or pond
An amphibious lawn plant that blooms!
The water crowfoot lives in aquariums or ponds, underwater or above water, and its finely cut leaves make a beautiful effect in the foreground or as groundcover.
In ponds, it survives the winter if its roots are not damaged by frost. It then regrows in spring and will produce its pretty yellow buttercup flowers in the warm season.
Still too little known among aquarium keepers, it has very strong qualities and we are proud to present this little rarity to you.
Why choose Water crowfoot?
- 🦠 Its roots host intense microbial life (rhizosphere): which promotes its growth and health, but also benefits the entire aquarium.
- 🐸 Amphibious: pretty and charming both submerged and emerged (open tank, paludarium, or pond).
- 🫧 Oxygenating underwater: it stays small but spreads easily and its photosynthesis is therefore active.
- ❄️ Perennial and hardy: can overwinter outdoors (pond or container pond) if the bottom does not freeze.
- 🌱 Very easy reproduction: your starting clump will constantly send out runners around it, forming dozens of new plants.
- 👌 Simple care, steady growth, and easy reproduction: an ideal plant for natural aquarium keeping.
Planting and growing advice
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Substrate: plant in simple soil (sand or gravel). Our water crowfoots have real roots covered with their microbiota, having grown in real conditions (not in vitro nor rock wool). This guarantees them strength, autonomy, and good recovery.
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Light: stronger light gives it a more compact form. With less light, it will grow a bit taller.
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Location: in the foreground in an aquarium, under 10 to 20 cm of water or even on a wet bank as groundcover in a pond (keep roots frost-free).
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Pruning: completely unnecessary since it stays low. Keep your scissors to take new plantlets from the runners and place them where you want to expand your lawn area.
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Winter: semi-hardy and perennial plant. In cold regions, make sure frost does not reach the roots.
Possible uses of Ranunculus inundatus
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Low-tech aquarium: lawn plant with bright green color to dress the foreground and cover the soil. It quickly forms a natural carpet.
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Paludarium: very pretty when emerged, its aquatic buttercup flowering is then remarkable.
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Pond and container pond: perennial plant that overwinters and forms small dense grassy mats where fry and microfauna can hide and develop safely.
⭐ Aquazolla’s advice: For a natural look, plant several small clump pieces spaced 2–3 cm apart. Good lighting gives a compact form and nicely rounded leaves. In wet or marshy areas, ensure the substrate is always saturated with water.
FAQ - Water crowfoot (Ranunculus inundatus)
Can it live underwater, in a natural or low-tech aquarium?
Yes, it will settle easily and quickly form a lawn carpet, very decorative and protective for fry, the water lice, and microfauna.
How to plant it?
Avoid cleaning its roots upon receipt: our plants have grown in real conditions, not in vitro nor in rock wool. Their roots are covered with an adapted microbiota that helps them acclimate and grow quickly. You can divide the clump into several plants spaced apart so they quickly cover the desired surface.
Is it a difficult plant to maintain?
Water crowfoot is an easy and very undemanding plant. Too rare in aquarium keeping, it is a true Aquazolla favorite for natural aquariums. Its roots host intense microbial life (biofilm, rotifers, protozoa, etc.).
Is it hardy in winter?
It is semi-hardy and perennial. In mild regions, it overwinters outdoors without problem. Otherwise, just make sure the roots do not freeze, for example by planting deep enough so ice does not reach the base.
How to multiply it?
It is remarkably easy: it sends out runners in all directions (like strawberry plants!) and you just need to let it do so, or take the new plantlets to place where you want.
Additional information
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Scientific name: Ranunculus inundatus
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Plant type: perennial amphibious plant, lawn plant, oxygenating, groundcover.
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Light: the more light, the more compact it stays and oxygenates the water.
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Temperature: 18 to 28°C in aquarium, withstands if the base is frost-free in pond.
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Appearance: its small size, fineness, and color make it a remarkable plant for a nano-aquarium as well as aquascaping.
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Size: up to 5, even 8 cm maximum. Underwater, it stays more compact.
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Packaging: 1 clump with non-sterile roots (approximate weight: 20 g).
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Guarantee: without rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind. Plants grown in real soil and not in a laboratory.
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Recommendation: as a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild as it could naturalize there. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be preserved.
