Salvinia oblongifolia (Salvinia oblongifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Family
Salviniaceae (floating fern family)
Origin
Eastern Brazil; introduced populations recorded in California
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
6 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 oblongifolia is the largest Salvinia: its oblong floating leaves reach about 6 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, roughly three times as long as wide, with rows of short blunt bumps on the upper side. It comes from eastern Brazil, where it forms dense, almost pure mats on shallow, still lagoons. Our sources say nothing about its aquarium use. Care should be like other tropical Salvinia: float it on the surface in good light, with some nutrients in the water, and thin it regularly. Its large leaves make it better suited to bigger open-topped tanks and tropical ponds than to small aquaria. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It has escaped in California. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salviniaoblongifolia); 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.

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.