Allways a good experience , fast delivery , really well packed .
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Salvinia natans (Water Spangles) - Easy Floating Plant for Algae Control & Fry Protection
Fast-spreading floating fern — algae control and fry shelter
- Regular price
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£4.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£4.99
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Description
Salvinia natans (water spangles) is a free-floating aquatic fern producing small oval leaves covered in tiny water-repelling hairs that give the surface a distinctive velvety texture. It spreads rapidly across the water surface in suitable conditions, providing shade, nutrient uptake, and important surface cover for fish fry and shrimp in both aquariums and outdoor ponds.
It grows in low to medium light without CO2 injection and adapts to a range of water temperatures. It prefers calm water surfaces — avoid positioning it where strong filtration or surface agitation will wet the leaves or push plants under the water, as this causes deterioration. In good conditions it spreads quickly and may need regular thinning to prevent it from covering the entire surface.
Simply place on the water surface — no planting or attachment needed. It floats naturally and spreads freely from there. Remove a portion regularly to prevent total surface coverage and to maintain light levels for any submerged plants. Suitable for aquariums and outdoor ponds.
Our Delivery Promise To You
We pack every order carefully at our UK facility and dispatch quickly, so your plants and aquarium products reach you in the best possible condition.
Order before 4pm Monday to Friday and we’ll dispatch the same day where possible. Most orders arrive within 1-2 working days.
If something goes wrong in transit, get in touch and we’ll help put it right.
Floating aquarium plant praised for healthy condition and generous portions. Customers said "delightful little plants" with textured leaves and fast-growing roots. Many noted plants "thriving" and multiplying quickly. However, some reported browning/dying plants, snail contamination, and small portion sizes for the price. Best suited for tanks with minimal surface flow.
- Delightful plant! Charming addition to the tank, in good condition
- Lovely floating plant with nice textured leaves and delicate roots. Easiest aquarium plant
- Very nice floating plant. Beautiful feathery roots growing very fast, my shrimp love it
E
Expected more than a tiny wee tub for nearly 10quid including 5 quid postage. Alot of money could have been saved on post by maybe using a jiffy bag instead of a box big enough to put about 40 wee tubs in instead of just the one. The plants are good quality but feel ripped off for paying 10 quid including unnecessary postage costs.
G
I always love this plant, and it's good to know it also eats algae, if I read it right! It is a charming addition to the tank, in good condition and hopefully will last a while. I love to see how they move across the surface as the fishes swim about.
A
Fit:
Fast delivery perfect just as described
A
Heard a lot about this so giving it a go
B
Would have liked more but fairly generous portion. Some of it was slightly browning but better than most tropica pots by far
E
Look great in my water feature
E
Arrived super quick and plants were very healthy. Will definitely use again
E
Salvinia natans Floating Aquarium Plant (Water spangles)
E
Very happy with this item
C
Well packaged and very satisfied
M
Good quality plants extremely well packaged.
K
Plants arrived in poor condition with brown leaves which later turned black. They didn't survive long even with barely any water flow and being in direct light. I've brought many plants from aqua essentials, and this is the 1st one that arrived like this. Think this could be due to the 2 day postage and not enough light but i'm not sure. The other floating plants brought along with this arrived in excellent condition.
M
Plants were great
G
The usual high quality of service , healthy plant deliverd on time
A
I recently purchased this plant with a few other plants. It arrived healthy, packed nicely and quick. Really love how it sits in the water.
M
Very pretty looks good
M
Delivered in good time. Came in a small packed plastic pot keeping moisture in. Rinsed in water then placed in tank. Very pleased with these.
R
Very healthy plants. Packaged well quickly delivered. Although for the first time with Aqua Essentials I did find 3 small black snails in the plants
Thanks for the feedback. Due to the nature of Salvina and the way it is stored there is occasionally a chance of snails. The tissue culture pots are best to guarantee no snails etc.
A
As usual arrived promptly and well packaged in plastic container. Good quality plants which are thriving in my aquaria.
A
Arrive in a small plastic container. Actually in quite good nick when it arrived. Straight into the pond and so far so good.
L
Delighted with speed of delivery and condition of plants - they were packed well and are thriving in the tanks.
L
The plants arrived quickly and were packed well so still fresh upon arrival. I would buy this product again.
N
Really nice plant looks amazing in my water feature and pond.
Arrived in perfect condition thank you
J
This is a real nice small floating plant, I think to get the best out of it has to be next to be very little surface m
ovement and light well above tank ,ideal for small tanks
L
Once again on my second order these floating plants arrived in excellent condition and packed well in tubs these plants are far superior to any other sites I've used exct service
D
Great plants and a good size portion.
G
Pretty little plants. Smaller plants than anticipated. OK for tanks but not pond's.
M
very pleased with this plant beautiful and healthy looks great in my tank
G
Sad to say these have more or less disappeared now. I love their floating habit and 'spangly' appearance. I tried the Red Root Floater last time, and whilst not as attractive, I see the roots are now thriving, reaching down into the water, so they evidently like the conditions there. I will still try the Water Spangles again though.
G
I think these delightful little plants are doing even better this time. The fishes don't eat them, even if they get mixed in with fish flake on the surface. They just float around, creating interest. Very pleased with these!
A
Plants arrived well packaged and healthy.
Common Questions
Is Salvinia natans easy to grow?
Yes — it is one of the easiest floating plants available. No CO2, no soil, no planting needed. Just place it on calm water.
Why is my Salvinia deteriorating?
The most common cause is water movement wetting the leaves or pushing plants under the surface. It needs calm, still water and its leaves must stay dry on top.
Does it help with algae?
Yes — it absorbs excess nutrients and shades the water surface, both of which directly reduce conditions that favour algae.
Is it safe for fish and shrimp?
Yes, fully. The dense floating mat provides important cover for surface-dwelling fish and fry, and shrimp benefit from the shelter below.
How do I stop it taking over?
Remove a portion regularly. It can spread very quickly in good conditions so thinning every couple of weeks keeps it under control.