Azolla Caroliniana Floating Aquarium Plant Portion with Fast-Growing Surface Cover and Easy Care for Low-Tech Tanks
Azolla Caroliniana is a compact floating aquarium plant that forms a textured surface canopy for low-tech aquariums, paludariums, and outdoor ponds. Its branching fronds can show green, pink, orange, or crimson tones under medium to high light while providing overhead cover for aquatic livestock.
Place the portion directly on the water surface with the leaf tops kept dry. Keep surface agitation and splashing low, thin the floating carpet regularly so light reaches submerged plants, and provide liquid nutrients as needed for floating growth.
Features
- Floating surface canopy
- Fronds may develop pink, orange, or crimson tones under medium to high lighting
- Fast growth
- Easy care difficulty
- CO2 not required
- Provides shade and cover for fish, shrimplets, and fry
- Individual fronds are 0.4–0.8 inches wide
Specifications
- Scientific name: Azolla caroliniana
- Common names: Carolina Water Fern, Fairy Moss, Mosquito Fern
- Plant type: Floating Plant / Micro-Fern
- Portion: 2" x 2" Portion
- Light requirement: Medium to High
- CO2 requirement: Not Required
- Growth rate: Fast
- Water parameters: pH 5.0–8.0; 65°F–78°F (18°C–25°C)
- Propagation: Division (Self-Splitting Stems) / Spores
- Origin: Americas (Western United States)
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I place this floating aquarium plant?
Place the portion directly on the water surface and keep the tops of the leaves dry. Low surface agitation helps prevent water from resting on the foliage.
What lighting does Azolla Caroliniana need?
Medium to high lighting is listed for this plant and can encourage richer green, pink, orange, or crimson coloration.
Does it require injected CO2?
No. The listed CO2 requirement is not required.
How do I prevent the surface carpet from blocking light?
Thin excess growth regularly so light can continue reaching submerged midground and stem plants.