Salvinia natans (Water Spangles) - Easy Floating Plant for Algae Control & Fry Protection

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.