Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus fluitans): easy-to-grow red floating plant
A compact, decorative floating plant... and made for low-tech setups
Phyllanthus is an ideal small floating plant, from nano tanks to large aquariums. Its hydrophobic leaves (the “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 create lovely plumes beneath the surface.
Phyllanthus, sometimes called “Red root floaters,” looks a lot like Salvinia, but forms a less dense cover and, above all, turns red very easily.
Why choose Phyllanthus fluitans?
- Very easy to achieve a deep red color under intense lighting.
- No heavy-duty equipment: no CO2 needed (floating plant), just sufficient lighting.
- Natural algae control: absorbs nitrates and phosphates at the surface and filters the light.
- Highly decorative roots: entirely red-colored, they provide shelter for fry, which find plenty of infusoria there, as well as for microfauna.
- Perfect for low-tech and aquascaping (a non-opaque, adjustable surface mat).
- Compact: also ideal for nano aquariums as it is small and not very invasive.
Growing tips
- Light: medium to high (the red coloration is very pronounced under strong light).
- Water and flow: calm water, little surface agitation to prevent drifting and preserve the roots’ microbial environment.
- Nutrition: thrives in “living” water (with fish or shrimp). No fertilizer needed.
- CO2: unnecessary (absorbs CO2 directly from the air).
- Maintenance: regularly harvest excess growth to let light through and benefit submerged plants.
- Outdoors: only in summer, in a pond or container pond. Bring indoors before cold weather.
Possible uses for Phyllanthus
- Low-tech aquarium: naturally filters the light, creating a reassuring environment for aquatic animals.
- Aquascaping: red/green contrast, decorative “curtain” roots with their vivid color.
- Bettas and surface-dwelling fish: shaded resting areas, stronger bubble nests, and infusoria for newly hatched fry.
- Summer pond and container pond: a gorgeous red touch on the surface (bring indoors for winter).
FAQ – Phyllantus fluitans
How can I get a beautiful red color?
Provide strong light and an open surface (little shade). But its roots 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 aquariums?
Yes, it’s one of the most suitable floating plants for nano aquariums.
Can it be mixed with other floating plants?
Yes (Salvinia, duckweed...). Just keep an eye on surface coverage by regularly removing any excess.
Will it survive outdoors in winter?
No, it’s a tropical plant: outdoors only in summer; bring the rootstock inside before the cold weather.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Phyllantus fluitans
- Plant type: floating filtration fern
- Light: medium for a green color, brighter to achieve this beautiful 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 or very slow-moving water. A motionless surface. Tap water suits it very well. L's very well.
- Size: the heart-shaped leaves are no more than a centimeter long, as are the roots.
- Packaging: 5 rosette plants (approximate weight: 10 g).
- Guarantee: no rock wool or artificial substrate of any kind. We grow it in genuinely 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.
