plant Easy level

Azolla caroliniana

Sponsored by
Aquaflora and Esther Mous, Holland

Water fern, large mosquito fern, red water fern

Azolla caroliniana is a beautiful small floating aquatic free-floating fern, that can quickly spread to cover open areas of water. It can be found in lakes, slow moving rivers and streams, ponds and wetlands.

Submitted by
Heiko Bleher
Approved by
Marcelo Notare
GPS
-0.9847240, -62.1745605
Geographical region
South America
Drainage Basin
Amazon basin
River catchment
Rio Negro
Water body type
Igarapè
Water body name
Nameless affluent
Water body part
Water body course
Middle course
Water body: tributary of
Rio
Tributary name
Jufaris
Type locality
Conservation status/IUCN Red List
Not Evaluated (NE)
Listed in CITES
No

Videos

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Fresh water
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
15-26 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
4.5-7
Conductivity
GH
0 - 30° mg/l
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form
Floating
Plant type
Plant size
1-2 cm
Plant growth rate
Fast
Plant light demand
High
CO2
Low
Aquarium equipment

Good lighting is recomended. Azolla caroliniana requires a sunny, but grows well also in lightly shaded position.

Plant care

Azolla filiculoides are taking care of themselves.

Water care

Can survive within a water pH range of 3.5 to 10, with high nutrient levels.

Bibliography

Sitography

→ The Azolla Foundation
→ Plant Rescue

Comment by the expert

Fossil Azolla has leaves and tendrils that are identical to those of modern Azolla sp. The fossil found in the Green River Formation of Colorado, dated between 50.5 and 55.5 mln. years. It can form dense surface mats that impede water flow and navigation, and clog irrigation pumps. Mats of Azolla filiculoides also reduce oxygen levels and the amount of light available to other aquatic organisms. It is a plant used as water purification and removal of heavy metals nitrogenous compounds.