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 aquariums. Its hydrophobic leaves (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 form attractive plumes beneath the surface.
Phyllanthus, sometimes called “Red root floaters,” looks very similar to Salvinia, but 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 equipment: 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: completely tinged red, they provide shelter for fry, where they find abundant infusoria, as well as for microfauna.
- Perfect for low-tech setups and aquascaping (a non-opaque, adjustable surface mat).
- Compact: also ideal for nano aquariums, as it is small and not invasive.
Growing tips
- Light: medium to high (the reddening is especially pronounced under strong light).
- Water and flow: still water, with little surface agitation to prevent it from drifting and preserve the roots’ microbial environment.
- Nutrition: benefits from “live” water (with fish or shrimp). No fertilizer needed.
- CO2: unnecessary (it absorbs CO2 directly from the air).
- Maintenance: regularly remove excess growth to let light through and benefit submerged plants.
- Outdoors: in summer only, in a pond or tub. Bring it indoors before the cold weather.
Possible uses for Phyllanthus
- Low-tech aquarium: natural light filtering, creating a reassuring environment for aquatic animals.
- Aquascaping: red/green contrast, decorative “curtain” roots because they are intensely colored.
- Bettas and surface-dwelling fish: shaded resting areas, reinforcement of bubble nests, infusoria for newly hatched fry.
- Pond and summer tub: a superb red accent on the surface (bring it indoors for the winter).
FAQ – Phyllantus fluitans
How can I achieve a beautiful red color?
Provide strong light and an unobstructed surface (little shade). However, the roots are always a deep red.
Does it need CO2?
No. Like all floating plants, it uses CO2 from the air.
Is it compatible with nano aquariums?
Yes, it is one of the floating plants best suited to nano aquariums.
Can it be mixed with other floating plants?
Yes (Salvinia, duckweed...). Simply monitor the surface coverage by regularly removing excess plants.
Will it survive outdoors in winter?
No, it is a tropical plant: outdoors only in summer; bring the rootstock indoors before cold weather.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Phyllantus fluitans
- Plant type: filtering floating fern
- Light: moderate for a green color, stronger to achieve 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 gentle currents. The surface should be still. 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 (approximate 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 preserved.
