Red Root Floaters, also known as Phyllanthus fluitans, are a beautiful floating plant that is popular among aquarium hobbyists. With their red roots and small green leaves, they can add a pop of color to any freshwater aquarium. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about caring for Red Root Floaters.
Lighting:
Red Root Floaters require moderate to high lighting levels, and they do well under LED or fluorescent lights. A photoperiod of 6-8 hours per day is recommended. It’s best to avoid low-light aquariums for Red Root Floaters as they may not receive enough light to thrive.
Water Parameters:
Red Root Floaters can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, but they prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. They also prefer soft to moderately hard water with a GH range of 4-10 dGH. The ideal temperature range for Red Root Floaters is 68-82°F (20-28°C).
Fertilization:
Red Root Floaters are heavy feeders and require a good source of nutrients to grow and thrive. A regular dosing of liquid fertilizers that contain macro and micronutrients is recommended. You can also use root tabs to provide nutrients to the roots.
Propagation:
Red Root Floaters propagate easily through runners. As the plant grows, it produces new shoots and leaves from the nodes of the stems. You can separate these runners and plant them in other areas of the aquarium to create a beautiful floating carpet effect.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential to keep Red Root Floaters healthy and thriving. You must remove any dead or decaying leaves to prevent them from polluting the water. Trimming the plant is also necessary if it grows too large or starts to block too much light. Red Root Floaters are prone to algae growth, so it’s best to keep the water clean by performing regular water changes.
Compatibility:
Red Root Floaters are compatible with a wide range of freshwater fish, but they may not be suitable for all aquariums. It’s best to avoid adding Red Root Floaters to aquariums with aggressive fish as they may uproot the plant or damage the leaves.
In conclusion, Red Root Floaters are a unique and beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any freshwater aquarium. With their hardy nature and low maintenance requirements, they are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarium hobbyists. By following the tips in this care guide, you can ensure that your Red Root Floaters thrive and add beauty to your aquarium for years to come.
