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Salvinia natans - Water Spangles

Fast-spreading floating fern — algae control and fry shelter

Fast-spreading floating fern — algae control and fry shelter

Regular price
£2.99
Regular price
Sale price
£2.99

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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.

    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles

    Salvinia natans is a popular floating plant praised for algae control and providing cover. Customers said plants arrived "fresh," "healthy," and well-packaged with "fast delivery." Many noted rapid growth, requiring regular thinning. However, some experienced issues: fish eating the plants, sensitivity to high water movement, snail contamination, and occasional browning.

    • Amazing!!! Fresh!!!
    • Arrived super quick and plants were very healthy. Will definitely use again
    • Super quality. Fresh and a must have for fish.
    • 5 stars: 242 (85%)
    • 4 stars: 21 (7%)
    • 3 stars: 15 (5%)
    • 2 stars: 4 (1%)
    • 1 star: 2 (1%)
    Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
    A
    Alan M. (Leeds, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Plants arrived quickly, they all look healthy

    Plants arrived quickly, they all look healthy. I’m positive that they’ll all be great when they grow more. Very pleased indeed and would recommend them to anyone wanting to add colour to their setup.

    A
    Andy E. (Cardiff, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Next day delivery carefully packaged and very

    Next day delivery carefully packaged and very good quality plants

    S
    Sarah (Wigan, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Beautiful healthy plant

    Beautiful healthy plant. Much bigger than expected. Arrived quickly and package nicely. Would order agaib

    W
    Wendy A. (Fulham, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    They were really lovely but were too tasty as my

    They were really lovely but were too tasty as my fantail goldfish ate them all in one day. I got them as they were algae eaters and i like floating plants. I’ll have to find something similar that he wont eat.

    E
    Etsy c.

    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.

    L
    Lesley W. (Chichester, GB)
    Beautiful addition to a green tank

    Very healthy plant as always. Better than high street outlets

    A
    Andrew L. (Muir of Ord, GB)
    Epic plant

    (Anunias Nana - plant pictured, attached to the fake wood in the middle)

    This is one of my favourite plants for the aquarium keeping hobby.

    I've bought this plant from Aqua Essentials (AE) on 2 occasions. On both occasions I've received an exceptionally healthy plant. The roots have been thick, healthy and bound throughout the container pot they grew up in.

    This plant is great because at the age you purchase it and as it gets older, it casts some great shadows into your tank. It adds loads of layers and texture.

    My red crystal shrimp love the nana and use it as a breeding ground. The bottom of the plant, by the roots, is very bushy. I can't quite see into it but I can tell it goes deep with leaves overlapping one another. This is a safe place for shrimp and I've had multiple adults at this point give birth within the plants dense leaf structure.

    The top of the plant casts some greater shadows. As the leaves grow up, the stalk that holds them grows tall until it overlooks the rest of your tank. These broad leaves are a nice bed for shrimp or other fish that may lay on their belly to rest.

    If you purchase one, please keep in mind you must glue this plant to an object such as a rock, wood or tank furniture. The roots of this plant collect nutrients from the water column instead of the substrate which is why it must be glued down. You must glue it to an object by its rhizome, if you don't glue it and decide to bury the plant, ensure you do not bury the rhizome or the plant will begin to rot and die. Bring scissors to your attempt at removing this plant from its pot, it may come a little entangled, but its so extremely worth any effort!

    G
    Gillian S. (Rossendale, GB)
    Delightful plant!

    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.

    C
    Cliff N. (Glenrothes, GB)
    latest addition 💞

    as always these plants arrived in great condition ...good roots and great size for immediate impact .

    P
    PHILLIP H. (Bournemouth, GB)
    Redred

    Plants arrived within 3 days Well packaged strong healthy plants they have grown 3 “ fast growing very pleased with them will order again

    E
    Ema M. (Ballymoney, GB)
    Beautiful

    Absolutely love my stem plants. Very healthy with really good roots. They've taken to the tank with no issues at all and brought much needed colour completely transforming my tank scape.

    B
    Billy c.

    I mean they look exactly like the photo when can you say that couldn't be happier

    k
    kevin b. (Bristol, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    good price

    good price, size was exactly what I needed, can highly recommend these plants

    T
    Tracey w. (Godalming, GB)
    Excellent aquarium plants but i wouldn't expect

    Excellent aquarium plants but i wouldn't expect any different thank you

    P
    Paul G. (Lambeth, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Beautiful

    Beautiful..

    D
    David F. (Thornton Heath, GB)
    perfect

    perfect

    A
    Alastair S.
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Great plants healthy and strong great additions to tank

    Excellent condition arrived quickly after ordering well packaged plants are all strong and healthy . Great value for the money .

    a
    alan s. (Kings Lynn, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Plant not as good as previous plants all the

    Plant not as good as previous plants all the leaves have been falling off .even moved into a different tank.Hope it revitalises it self.Alan

    Hi Alan, we're sorry to hear about the issues with your plant. We have emailed you.

    a
    alan s. (Kings Lynn, GB)
    Plants were nice.

    Plants were nice not really my type the floating plant but put in a tank with endlers. Reason not into floating plant as blocks the filters.

    Y
    Yosef

    Anazing !!! Fresh!!!

    R
    Robert T. (Paisley, GB)
    Plants arrived on time and in wonderful condition

    Plants arrived on time and in wonderful condition. Planted and are growing beautifully.
    Would definitely recommend

    K
    Kate (Belfast, GB)
    Good healthy plants, quick delivery, well

    Good healthy plant quick delivery, well packed, some if the leaves have dropped off but it seems to be coming round a bit now in my aquarium. Would recommend

    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.

    Best Seller
    Skip to product information
    1 of 9
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    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles

    Fast-spreading floating fern — algae control and fry shelter

    Ask a question
    Regular price
    £2.99
    Regular price
    Sale price
    £2.99
    • Out of stock

    In-stock orders normally dispatch before 4pm, Monday–Friday. Delivery details

    Shop similar products
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles
    Salvinia natans - Water Spangles

    Complete your setup

    Useful additions for this product

    Useful additions for this product

    Neutro T Aquarium Plant Fertiliser Recommended size
    £10.99
    Neutro Pure - Aquarium Dechlorinator Recommended size
    £7.99
    Amano Shrimp | Live Algae Eating Freshwater Shrimp x 5 Recommended size
    £25.00
    Useful additions for this product Carefully packed with your plants Specialist aquarium plant care
    Bundle offers

    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.

    Salvinia natans is a popular floating plant praised for algae control and providing cover. Customers said plants arrived "fresh," "healthy," and well-packaged with "fast delivery." Many noted rapid growth, requiring regular thinning. However, some experienced issues: fish eating the plants, sensitivity to high water movement, snail contamination, and occasional browning.

    • Amazing!!! Fresh!!!
    • Arrived super quick and plants were very healthy. Will definitely use again
    • Super quality. Fresh and a must have for fish.
    • 5 stars: 242 (85%)
    • 4 stars: 21 (7%)
    • 3 stars: 15 (5%)
    • 2 stars: 4 (1%)
    • 1 star: 2 (1%)
    Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
    A
    Alan M. (Leeds, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Plants arrived quickly, they all look healthy

    Plants arrived quickly, they all look healthy. I’m positive that they’ll all be great when they grow more. Very pleased indeed and would recommend them to anyone wanting to add colour to their setup.

    A
    Andy E. (Cardiff, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Next day delivery carefully packaged and very

    Next day delivery carefully packaged and very good quality plants

    S
    Sarah (Wigan, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Beautiful healthy plant

    Beautiful healthy plant. Much bigger than expected. Arrived quickly and package nicely. Would order agaib

    W
    Wendy A. (Fulham, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    They were really lovely but were too tasty as my

    They were really lovely but were too tasty as my fantail goldfish ate them all in one day. I got them as they were algae eaters and i like floating plants. I’ll have to find something similar that he wont eat.

    E
    Etsy c.

    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.

    L
    Lesley W. (Chichester, GB)
    Beautiful addition to a green tank

    Very healthy plant as always. Better than high street outlets

    A
    Andrew L. (Muir of Ord, GB)
    Epic plant

    (Anunias Nana - plant pictured, attached to the fake wood in the middle)

    This is one of my favourite plants for the aquarium keeping hobby.

    I've bought this plant from Aqua Essentials (AE) on 2 occasions. On both occasions I've received an exceptionally healthy plant. The roots have been thick, healthy and bound throughout the container pot they grew up in.

    This plant is great because at the age you purchase it and as it gets older, it casts some great shadows into your tank. It adds loads of layers and texture.

    My red crystal shrimp love the nana and use it as a breeding ground. The bottom of the plant, by the roots, is very bushy. I can't quite see into it but I can tell it goes deep with leaves overlapping one another. This is a safe place for shrimp and I've had multiple adults at this point give birth within the plants dense leaf structure.

    The top of the plant casts some greater shadows. As the leaves grow up, the stalk that holds them grows tall until it overlooks the rest of your tank. These broad leaves are a nice bed for shrimp or other fish that may lay on their belly to rest.

    If you purchase one, please keep in mind you must glue this plant to an object such as a rock, wood or tank furniture. The roots of this plant collect nutrients from the water column instead of the substrate which is why it must be glued down. You must glue it to an object by its rhizome, if you don't glue it and decide to bury the plant, ensure you do not bury the rhizome or the plant will begin to rot and die. Bring scissors to your attempt at removing this plant from its pot, it may come a little entangled, but its so extremely worth any effort!

    G
    Gillian S. (Rossendale, GB)
    Delightful plant!

    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.

    C
    Cliff N. (Glenrothes, GB)
    latest addition 💞

    as always these plants arrived in great condition ...good roots and great size for immediate impact .

    P
    PHILLIP H. (Bournemouth, GB)
    Redred

    Plants arrived within 3 days Well packaged strong healthy plants they have grown 3 “ fast growing very pleased with them will order again

    E
    Ema M. (Ballymoney, GB)
    Beautiful

    Absolutely love my stem plants. Very healthy with really good roots. They've taken to the tank with no issues at all and brought much needed colour completely transforming my tank scape.

    B
    Billy c.

    I mean they look exactly like the photo when can you say that couldn't be happier

    k
    kevin b. (Bristol, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    good price

    good price, size was exactly what I needed, can highly recommend these plants

    T
    Tracey w. (Godalming, GB)
    Excellent aquarium plants but i wouldn't expect

    Excellent aquarium plants but i wouldn't expect any different thank you

    P
    Paul G. (Lambeth, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Beautiful

    Beautiful..

    D
    David F. (Thornton Heath, GB)
    perfect

    perfect

    A
    Alastair S.
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Great plants healthy and strong great additions to tank

    Excellent condition arrived quickly after ordering well packaged plants are all strong and healthy . Great value for the money .

    a
    alan s. (Kings Lynn, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Plant not as good as previous plants all the

    Plant not as good as previous plants all the leaves have been falling off .even moved into a different tank.Hope it revitalises it self.Alan

    Hi Alan, we're sorry to hear about the issues with your plant. We have emailed you.

    a
    alan s. (Kings Lynn, GB)
    Plants were nice.

    Plants were nice not really my type the floating plant but put in a tank with endlers. Reason not into floating plant as blocks the filters.

    Y
    Yosef

    Anazing !!! Fresh!!!

    R
    Robert T. (Paisley, GB)
    Plants arrived on time and in wonderful condition

    Plants arrived on time and in wonderful condition. Planted and are growing beautifully.
    Would definitely recommend

    K
    Kate (Belfast, GB)
    Good healthy plants, quick delivery, well

    Good healthy plant quick delivery, well packed, some if the leaves have dropped off but it seems to be coming round a bit now in my aquarium. Would recommend