
Description
Overview: Riccia fluitans, or Crystalwort, was made famous by Takashi Amano, who first had the idea of tying it to stones to create a vibrant, bubbling "moss" carpet. Naturally a floating plant, it forms dense, bright green mats. When submerged and given high light and CO2, it produces massive amounts of oxygen bubbles. It is a fast grower and needs regular maintenance to keep it from detaching and floating to the surface.
Maintenance Score
Visual Impact
Requirements
Care & Design
Trimming
Biweekly: Trim tops and replant healthy stems as needed.
Propagation
Cuttings, runners, or division depending on species.
Riccia Fluitans may show different leaf size and texture between emersed and submersed growth.
Common Issues
- • Melt during transition
- • Algae on older leaves
Water Parameters
Temperature
22–28°C
pH Range
6–7.5
Hardness (GH)
2–12 dGH
Physical Traits
Leaf Shape
oval
Texture
medium
Growth Pattern
stem
Color Profile
Placement & Sensitivity
Placement Depth
any
Grouping Size
4+
Algae Sensitivity
moderate
Nutrient Sensitivity
moderate
Density
moderate
Leaf Descriptions
Emersed Form
Emersed leaves of Riccia Fluitans are adapted to air growth and typically differ in thickness/shape.
Submersed Form
Submersed leaves of Riccia Fluitans are optimized for underwater flow and nutrient uptake.
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Add Riccia Fluitans to your virtual scape and see how it fits.
