Water Spangles

Salvinia minima is a small, rootless floating fern from Central and South America. Its nearly round leaves, 1–2 cm across, are covered on top with velvety hairs and repel water. It likes warm water and multiplies very fast in tropical aquariums. In the lakes and canals of the southern United States, where it has escaped into the wild, it has become an invasive plant that covers the surface; excess plants must never be thrown into natural waters.

It is not planted; it is placed on the surface. To keep part of the surface open, it can be confined with a floating ring.

• Light: Moderate; condensation droplets under the lid can rot the leaves.
• CO₂: Not required.
• Fertilizer: Fish waste is usually enough.
• Remove the excess with a net once a week; do not let it cover more than half of the surface. It does not like strong surface flow.