Eared watermoss (Salvinia auriculata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Eared watermoss, Butterfly fern, African payal
Family
Salviniaceae (floating fern family)
Origin
The Americas, from Mexico south to Argentina and Chile; naturalised elsewhere
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
3 cm
Temperature
20–30°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 not needed
Flow
Gentle; floating plants dislike strong surface flow

Care

Salvinia auriculata is a small floating fern from Central and South America. Like other Salvinia it has pairs of water-repellent floating leaves and a third, finely divided leaf hanging under the water that does the job of roots. Plant size depends on how crowded the colony is: crowded plants grow larger, upright leaves. It is one of a group of very similar species (the "auriculata complex") that also includes the much more troublesome Salvinia molesta, and the species are hard to tell apart without looking closely at the leaf hairs. Plants traded as S. auriculata are sometimes really S. molesta, which may not be sold to buyers in Great Britain. Float it on the surface of a tank or pond. It needs good light from above and some nutrients in the water; pale leaves usually mean it is short of nutrients. Growth is quick in good conditions and it can cover the surface, so remove some regularly to keep light reaching the plants underneath. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It has been invasive in Africa since the 1940s (it infested the Zambezi) and in New Caledonia. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salviniaauriculata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by itself: the short floating stem branches and pieces break off to form new plants. To propagate, simply move a few clumps to another tank. Scoop out the surplus regularly so it does not shade the plants below.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish, koi and many large cichlids nibble floating ferns; small community fish, shrimp and snails leave it alone. Labyrinth fish (gouramis, bettas) often use floating plants to anchor bubble nests, and the hanging roots shelter fry. Keep it away from strong surface flow and from tanks with tight-fitting lids that trap condensation on the leaves.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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