Azolla

Originating in the Western United States, the Azolla Filiculoides, often known as the Water Fern, has long since spread and is now widely distributed throughout Europe, Canada, Argentina, and even New Zealand. It is a small, resilient fern that grows on the surface of lakes, ponds, and other slow-moving bodies of water.

The water fern forms clusters of small, two-lobed leaves growing from densely-clad stems, with the individual leaves ranging in size from.4" to.79" and growing over the water's surface at an incredibly rapid rate. They are primarily green, but the borders are tinted with pink, orange, or red. As it expands, the plant naturally divides into smaller pieces. This plant requires at least a medium level of light to develop to its full potential and is not tolerant of cold temperatures. It is a rare choice for an aquarium plant because it is more frequently used in outdoor ponds, yet it is attractive and adaptable to many tanks.

Family Name: Salviniaceae

Origin: Western United States

pH: 5-8

Care: Easy

Light: Medium to High

Co2: Low to Medium

Propagation: From spores of existing plant, sprinkled in water. Plants in a body of water then self-propagate by division.

Growth Rate: Fast