Plant Profiles

Azolla pinnata

Live freshwater plant Azolla pinnata - Ferny Azolla for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Azolla pinnata - Ferny Azolla. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Azolla pinnata
Ferny Azolla
$5.95

Azolla pinnata, the Ferny Azolla, is a floating aquatic fern that is easy to grow in aquariums and ponds. It is an Australian native species that grows rapidly and provides excellent surface coverage. In shady conditions this plant has a bright green colour, and under high light it turns a brilliant red.

Ferny Azolla is fairly easy to grow and requires minimal care. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of water conditions, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists. It can be used to create a lush, green canopy on the water surface, which provides excellent shade for fish and helps to prevent algae growth.

Azolla pinnata is well suited for warm climates. Compared to Australia's other native Azolla species, Azolla rubra, there are are a few key differences in growth habit. Azolla pinnata is the more tropical species and generally grows smaller, with thinner leaves. Azolla rubra is sturdier, with more rounded rather than pointy lobes. Azolla rubra is also more tolerant of excess nutrients in the water column. Azolla pinnata tends to turn red more easily, but Azolla rubra will also grow red when nitrates are low in the water column.

This plant is larger than duckweed and can reach up to 1 cm in diameter. It is actually a fern, with highly adapted fronds that are finely dissected and give it a feathery appearance. These fronds break apart when they grow large enough, propagating across the surface of the water. The roots of Ferny Azolla are tiny and hair-like, which allows the plant to absorb nutrients directly from the water.

Ferny Azolla is an especially useful plant for tropical ponds, as it can be used to help remove excess phosphates from the water which can reduce algae. If you're looking for an easy-to-grow, visually striking plant to add to your pond or aquarium, Ferny Azolla is an excellent choice.

Requirements and information

Temperature:

TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:

None

Substrate nutrients:

None

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

Medium

CO2:

Low

Height:

Low

Growth rate:

Vigorous

Growth habit:

Floating

Difficulty:

Easy

Native to: