Plant Profiles

Ricciocarpos natans

Live freshwater plant Ricciocarpos natans - Purple-Fringed Riccia for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Ricciocarpos natans - Purple-Fringed Riccia. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Ricciocarpos natans
Purple-Fringed Riccia
$12.95

Ricciocarpos natans, commonly known as Purple-Fringed Riccia or Floating Heartwort, is a very rare floating plant native to Australia as well as various other regions worldwide. Related to the Riccia genus, this species is characterised by its attractive heart-shaped thalli (rather than of leaves), forming a beautiful, moss-like cover on the water's surface. The fronds of Ricciocarpos natans are intricate, deeply lobed, and adorned with dark, long scales on the underside which resemble roots. These scales often exhibit a striking purple hue, adding a touch of vibrant colour to the aquarium.

Ricciocarpos natans thrives in both temperate and tropical climates, making it suitable for a range of aquarium types. It is cold-tolerant with a temperature range between 5-28°C and is adaptable to various water conditions, though it prefers nutrient-rich environments. Despite its adaptability, Ricciocarpos natans is not commonly commercially available.

Ricciocarpos natans can grow both floating on water and terrestrially on moist ground. The terrestrial form is rosette-like and wider than its floating counterpart. The underside of the plant has many greyish-black to dark purple hair-like structures called scales. During transport, the thalli might break into smaller pieces, but these will continue to grow in an aquarium.

Ricciocarpos natans is not difficult to maintain and propagates in a similar way to Azolla. A good supply of macronutrients is essential to prevent nutrient deficiency, which results in small, pale-green thalli. Medium to strong lighting and a calm water surface are recommended. Under favourable conditions, this liverwort multiplies quickly but is not as fast growing as duckweed, making it easier to manage.

Ricciocarpos natans, or Purple-Fringed Riccia, is a versatile native choice for the freshwater aquarium, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to other floating aquarium plants.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
None

Substrate nutrients:
None

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

Medium

CO2:

Medium

Height:

Low

Growth rate:

Moderate

Growth habit:

Floating

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Native to: