Red Root Floater

Overview

Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) is a stunning floating aquatic plant prized for its lush green leaves and distinctive red root system that hangs beneath the surface. This plant adds natural surface cover, improves water aesthetics, and helps maintain a balanced freshwater environment.

Key Features

• Floating Surface Plant: Rests gently on the water surface, creating natural shade and shelter.
• Distinctive Red Roots: Colorful hangdown roots add visual interest and contrast with other tank plants.
• Easy Care: No substrate is needed, and the plant thrives without CO₂ supplementation, making it ideal for beginners or experienced aquarists alike.
• Natural Nutrient Absorption: Absorbs excess nutrients from the water column, helping reduce algae triggers and support cleaner water.
• Shade & Shelter: Floating coverage provides shade and calmer areas that many fish and small shrimp enjoy.

Benefits

• Enhances aquarium visual appeal with a lush floating canopy and colorful root system.
• Helps reduce excess nutrients in the water, supporting water quality and clarity.
• Offers natural shade and refuge for fish, shrimp, and fry.
• Rapid establishment and easy propagation make it great for quick aquascape enhancement.

Care Requirements

• Lighting: Thrives under low to high lighting; brighter light can encourage deeper coloration in roots and leaves.
• Water Conditions: Prefers stable freshwater conditions with typical pH and temperature ranges suitable for community tanks.
• Placement: Simply place on the water surface — no planting or substrate required.
• Maintenance: Thin out excess growth periodically to prevent it from covering the entire surface and limiting light to lower plants.

Placement & Propagation

• Place directly on the water surface in freshwater aquariums of various sizes.
• Propagates easily as clusters form — separate portions and spread across the surface for fuller coverage.
• Remove excess as needed to maintain open water surface and light penetration.