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Plant Freshwater Care: easy

Ricciocarpos

Ricciocarpos natans
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Other names: Ricciocarpos natans, Purple fringed riccia, Ricciocarpus
Group: Floating plants · Family: Ricciaceae · Origin: Worldwide — still waters of temperate and tropical regions

A liverwort recognized by its heart- or fan-shaped, dark green flat bodies floating at the surface and the purple fringes hanging beneath them. It is larger than Riccia and grows at a slow to moderate rate.

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature
15–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Light
Medium
CO₂
Not needed
Growth
Medium
Placement
Floating

Water parameters

Temperature15–28°C
pH6–7.5
General hardness (GH)2–15 dGH
Recommended range

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Ricciocarpos natans is a small liverwort that floats freely on the water surface. Its body is about 1 cm long, heart- or fan-shaped, grooved down the middle and dark green. Purple, tassel-like scales hang into the water from its underside; this appearance sets it apart from other floating plants. Although it belongs to the same family as Riccia, it is larger and grows more slowly. In the wild it is found in still lakes, ponds and ditches.

Planting and Placement

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

It is not planted; it is placed on the surface. A calm, unrippled surface is ideal.

Care and Fertilization

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Light: Moderate.
  • CO₂: Not required.
  • Surface: Strong surface flow and splashing water cause it to flip over.
  • Its bodies reproduce by forking and splitting in two. Remove the excess with a net; do not throw it into natural waters.

Propagation

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Common Problems

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Hobbyist notes

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Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.

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Change history and contributors
  1. Page created · October 16, 2026