Phyllanthus fluitans, widely sold as red root floater, is a small floating plant from the American tropics. It resembles Salvinia, but each node carries a single round, heart-shaped, water-repellent leaf, and the leaves largely hide the stem. Tiny white six-petalled flowers sometimes appear. Plants reach about 3–5 cm across after two months (the maximum size given is spread). Tropica rates it easy, with low light and low CO2 needs and a medium growth rate. Under stronger light the leaves and roots turn brown to red, which is why it is popular. Keep it on a calm surface and avoid heavy condensation dripping on the leaves; open or well-ventilated lids suit it best. Thin it out regularly. Tropica does not give water figures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Multiplies on its own by branching; split clumps and float the pieces.
Compatibility and tank mates
Goldfish and some large fish eat floating plants. Ideal for bettas, gouramis, shrimp and fry tanks, where it shades and shelters. Needs tropical temperatures.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.