Floating water-crowfoot (Ranunculus fluitans) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
River water-crowfoot, Batrachium fluitans
Family
Ranunculaceae (buttercup family)
Origin
Western and central Europe, including Britain and Ireland
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
600 cm
Temperature
4–20°C
pH
7–8.5
Care level
expert
Lighting
High light
Flow
Needs fast-flowing water

Care

River water-crowfoot is a perennial water buttercup of fast-flowing rivers in western and central Europe, including Britain, where it gives its name to a typical river plant community. Its long, slender stems can reach 6 m in good conditions (the maximum size given), with long tassel-like underwater leaves up to 30 cm. It has no floating leaves. White flowers appear above the water in summer. It is a plant of cool, clear, flowing rivers and is not suited to aquaria, except perhaps large coldwater river tanks with strong current. It does poorly in still or warm water. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranunculusfluitans); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Grows from stem pieces that root at the nodes; it also sets seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

Only for large coldwater river set-ups with native fish. Not a tropical or still-water plant.

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

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