ADA Riccia Fluitans

Riccia fluitans is a floating liverwort cosmopolitan across temperate and tropical regions worldwide, naturally forming mats on the surface of still ponds, ditches, and slow rivers. In aquascaping, it was popularized by Takashi Amano who discovered that when tied or attached to driftwood or rocks and kept submerged, it forms lush, bright green cushion-like mats that produce spectacular streams of oxygen pearls during active photosynthesis under CO2 injection.

This iconic effect — dense bright green mats releasing tiny pearls of oxygen — has made Riccia fluitans one of the most recognizable plants in the aquascaping world. However, maintaining submerged Riccia requires commitment: it naturally floats and must be secured by tying it tightly with fishing line or thread to hardscape, and the rapidly growing outer layers must be regularly trimmed to prevent the mat from detaching and floating free.

Riccia fluitans is a fast grower that responds well to high light and CO2. Under ideal conditions it can double in mass within days. Without strong light and CO2, it grows slowly and may turn pale. As a floating plant, it can also be used at the surface level, providing shade and refuge for surface-dwelling fish and fry.

Careful selection of ADA Riccia fluitans tissue culture ensures a clean, algae-free start without snails or pests.

Light: High light requirement. Strong lighting produces the characteristic dense mat and oxygen pearling effect.

CO2: CO2 injection (20–30 mg/L) is strongly recommended for fast growth and the signature pearling effect. Without CO2, growth is slow.

Substrate/Attachment: Riccia naturally floats. To keep it submerged, tie tight clumps to driftwood or rocks with fishing line or dark cotton thread. The plant grows outward rapidly — trim regularly to prevent detachment.

Maintenance: Requires regular trimming (weekly or bi-weekly in good conditions). Outer layers become detached as the mat grows — net out floating pieces promptly to prevent algae accumulation.

Placement: Foreground or attached to hardscape as accent. Works beautifully as a bright green carpet over driftwood or on flat stones.

Water Parameters: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 18–28°C. Adaptable but prefers soft, slightly acidic water.