Floating Fern (Salvinia natans)

Salvinia natans is a delicate annual floating fern native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, producing pairs of small, oval leaves covered in fine, hydrophobic hair clusters that trap air and give the upper surface a distinctive velvety texture. This water-repellent structure allows the leaves to remain perfectly dry even when submerged momentarily, giving the plant a pearl-like appearance as water beads off the surface. It spreads rapidly across the water surface in good light, providing welcome shade for shy, light-sensitive fish and invertebrates while simultaneously reducing the amount of light that reaches the water column to suppress algae growth. An affordable and widely sold floating plant throughout Belgian and Dutch aquarium shops.

Float freely on the water surface under medium light. No substrate or special fertilization required — it absorbs nutrients directly from the water. Remove excess regularly to prevent full surface coverage and maintain adequate light penetration for submerged plants. Best kept away from strong surface agitation or spray bars which can damage the delicate leaves. Suitable for aquariums, outdoor pond tubs, and patio water features during summer.