Red Root Floaters, Aquarium Floating Plants, Live Aquatic for Planted Tank

5 Live Red Root Floaters with vibrant red roots—perfect floating plants for shrimp, bettas, and natural aquascapes.

( these are starter red root floaters having 2-3 leaves minimum but will have roots. These plants grow fast)

Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans) Description:

Red Root Floaters are beautiful, fast-growing floating plants that are native to South America. They are known for their small, round, vibrant green leaves with striking red roots. As the plant matures, the roots grow longer and more colorful, creating a visually appealing contrast in aquariums. The leaves float on the water’s surface, creating a dense mat that helps provide shade and shelter for fish, especially in ponds or aquariums with bright lighting. This plant is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal, water quality benefits, and ability to provide natural filtration.

Care Guide for Red Root Floaters:

1. Lighting:
• Requirements: Red Root Floaters prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate moderate lighting but will thrive with strong light that mimics the conditions of their native environments.
• Too much light: Can cause excessive algae growth, so it’s important to monitor light levels to prevent this.
• Too little light: Can cause the plant to become leggy, with smaller or paler leaves.

2. Temperature:
• Ideal Range: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
• Red Root Floaters prefer warm water and will do best in tropical aquarium settings. They can tolerate temperatures outside this range but may not grow as vigorously.

3. Water Parameters:
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.5–7.5.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
• Water Flow: Low to moderate flow is ideal. Strong currents can make it difficult for the floaters to remain at the water surface, where they thrive.

4. Nutrients & Fertilization:
• Red Root Floaters absorb nutrients primarily from the water column, so regular fertilization is important if you want them to grow quickly.
• Fertilization Tips: Use a liquid fertilizer that’s rich in micro and macro nutrients, especially nitrogen and iron, to enhance their red roots and overall health. A nutrient-rich substrate can also help support their growth.

5. Maintenance:
• Pruning: This plant can grow quickly and may need to be pruned regularly to prevent it from taking over the aquarium surface. Trim the roots or remove some plants to maintain balance and allow other plants to receive adequate light.
• Root Trimming: Red Root Floaters’ roots can become quite long and tangled, so trimming them helps prevent overcrowding and keeps them healthy.

6. Propagation:
• Red Root Floaters reproduce by budding off small daughter plants from the base of the floating leaves. As they grow, the new plants will drift away and develop their own root systems, forming a dense mat.
• Division: You can propagate Red Root Floaters by gently separating the plants once they have grown into multiple mats. Simply snip or pull apart the smaller plants and reintroduce them into your aquarium or pond.

7. Potential Issues:
• Root Rot: If the roots become mushy or discolored, it may be a sign of poor water quality or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure the tank is well-maintained and that there is a good balance of nutrients.
• Algae Growth: In tanks with excessive light, algae can easily grow on the leaves of the Red Root Floaters. Ensure proper lighting and consider adding algae-eating fish or inverts (like snails) to help control it.

8. Compatibility with Fish:
• Red Root Floaters are peaceful plants that provide great coverage and hiding spots for small fish, shrimp, and fry. However, avoid large fish that might damage the floating leaves or disrupt the plant mat.

Benefits for the Aquarium:
• Natural Filtration: Red Root Floaters can absorb excess nutrients (like nitrates) from the water, helping maintain a clean and balanced aquarium environment.
• Shade and Refuge: The dense floating mat offers shade for fish, which is especially beneficial in tanks with bright lighting, as well as protection for small or timid fish.

Conclusion:

Red Root Floaters are a visually striking addition to any aquarium, offering both beauty and practical benefits. With proper care, they’ll thrive and help improve water quality while creating a lush, natural habitat for your fish.