Salvinia
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: No
Native Range: Slow moving waters of South America
Zones: 9-11 (8-12)
Bladderworts and Aldrovanda benefit from growing under a floating plant such as Salvinia. Salvinia natans, is a tropical, floating fern, similar to, but larger than Azolla. It forms lovely whorls of rounded, fuzzy, softly textured leaves, each about 1/2" across. It feeds heavily on nutrients in the water, removing nitrogen and potassium. It is an excellent companion plant for growing Aldrovanda and Utricularia, which can thrive growing amongst it. A sprig is about 2" long, and sufficient to start a nice colony of it in good growing conditions.
Salvinia is fast growing, but easier to control than duckweed. It can be an invasive weed in warm climates. Cultures may contain small amounts of other aquatic plants.
For Salvinia, each portion is about 3 small plants.
Height: 1/4" - 1"
Plant Type: Perennial, tropical
Soil: Aquatic
Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
Light: Full to Partial Sun
Use: Unusual small floating fern, great cover for Bladderworts and Aldrovanda.
