[SG READY STOCKS Live Aquatic Floating Plant] Phyllanthus fluitans (Red root floaters) by Aquatic Farmer

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Pack in clear plastic container with approximately weight 15-20 grams

Phyllanthus fluitans is a floating plant from the Americas tropics. It has round leaves that sprout alternately on a short stem, and tufts of short red roots. It is from these red roots that the common name 'Red root floaters' came about. It is a decorative floating plant that propagates very quickly if nutrient rich water and high light levels are available. They are very useful in aquariums for absorbing ammonia and nitrogenous waste compounds. The root system also provides a home for micro-organisms and the leaves provide a much appreciated cover for shy fish. For many aquariums that do not have the conditions of growing submerged plants well, floaters such as Phyllanthus fluitans are a great stand in.

As a floating plant, they are closer to light sources and also able to uptake carbon dioxide from the air - this means that they are not limited by the gas exchange limitations of under water growth. They usually propagate quickly as long as there is sufficient light and nutrients available.

The leaves can be either green or reddish. The main factor that gives rise to red leaves is being deprived of nitrogen. Even plants grown in low lighting will become very red if deprived of nitrogen - the opposite is also true; under high light levels, it can still grow completely green leaves if it has ample access to nitrogen. For aquarists seeking to redden their red root floaters, growing them in tanks where there is low nitrate levels in the water column, and low fertilization levels will quickly redden the leaves. Under richer dosing and higher nitrogen levels, the leaves will be green and the plant will propagate much quicker.

Key success factors
Minimal light levels are necessary, higher light levels give faster propagation rates
Low nitrate/nitrogen levels in water column turn leaves redder
Overly turbulent flow can be damaging to the plant, gentle current is preferred
Dosing nutrient liquid fertilizer is not necessary in most tanks that have other sources of nutrients such as livestock/soil. However, it can greatly accelerate propagation rates
Be aware that large numbers of floaters can block light from reaching aquatic plants growing in the tank substrate