Salvinia eared

Salvinia eared, the scientific name of the Salvinia auriculata group. It comes from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has now been introduced to other continents.

In nature, it grows in warm freshwater reservoirs with stagnant water (lakes, swamps) or in slow-flowing rivers. Although the plant is native to tropical regions, it is very hardy and can withstand short-term low temperatures and even frosts, it is able to grow in low salinity water.

Salvinia eared according to the scientific classification is included in the group of the same name Salvinia auriculata agg. (agg. = “collection”), which also includes Salvinia molesta (Salvinia molesta) and several other species.

Historically, in aquariums, both Salvinia eared and Salvinia molesta are erroneously supplied under the name Salvinia natans, which in turn is not used in aquariums, since it is an annual plant.

Salvinia eared is a floating fern. The plant forms numerous shoots about 10 cm long, on which rounded leaves 1-3 cm in size are located. Each node has three leaves. Two leaves float on the surface of the water and are covered with numerous villi (hairs) that give a velvety appearance. The third leaf is immersed in water and turned into a bunch of long roots up to 5 cm long.

Depending on the environment, floating leaves can take on three different forms. The first form is flat rounded leaves. The second form is twisted leaf blades folded up along the central vein. The third form is an intermediate state between the first and third forms.

Salvinia eared can be used in aquariums of various sizes. However, due to rapid growth, a tank of at least 40 liters is recommended. The plant is unpretentious and grows well in a wide range of pH and GH values.

The best appearance with curled leaves is achieved in bright light in warm water (22-26°C), rich in nutrients. In aquariums with fish, as a rule, the introduction of additional dressings is not required.

Basic information:

• Difficulty of growing – simple
• Growth rates are high
• Temperature — 10-32°С
• Value pH — 4.0–8.0
• Water hardness – 0-21°GH
• Light level – medium or high
• Aquarium Use – Surface Floating
• Suitability for a small aquarium – yes
• spawning plant – no
• Able to grow on snags, stones – no
• Able to grow among herbivorous fish – no
• Suitable for paludariums – no

Scientific Data Source Catalog of Life