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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 5°C / 41.00°F - 35°C / 95.00°F |
| Temperature | 18°C / 64.40°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-12 kh |
| pH Value | 5-8 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 0-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Azolla filiculoides, also known as water fern or Pacific mosquitofern, is a tiny floating fern originating from the American continent. This plant is distributed from Canada to the southern regions of Argentina and Chile. It thrives in stagnant to slow-flowing waters such as ditches, swamps, ponds, and lakes. Although not a popular aquarium plant, it is often sold for garden ponds and has been introduced by humans to various regions worldwide, including Central Europe.
Aquarium Suitability
Azolla filiculoides is considered suitable for aquariums, particularly as a hardy floating plant that requires only medium light intensities to thrive (see table). In nature, it is known for its robustness, with spores that can survive cold water temperatures and even frost. This plant is also valued for its symbiotic relationship with the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae, which helps make atmospheric nitrogen available to Azolla. Due to its potentially invasive nature, it is crucial not to release Azolla filiculoides into the wild.
Demands and Hardiness
Azolla filiculoides is an easy-to-grow plant suitable for aquariums with fast growth potential. It can withstand somewhat colder temperatures, but care should be taken to ensure its survival during winter months. The plant's nutrient content is relatively high, making it beneficial for rice fields as a natural fertilizer.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquariums, Azolla filiculoides can be used to complement open tanks and water gardens, providing cover for young fish and absorbing nutrients effectively. During the warmer months, the plant assumes an attractive reddish-brown color, adding visual interest to aquatic landscapes.
Propagation
Propagation of Azolla filiculoides can be achieved through fragmentation, splitting, or cutting off daughter plants. The plant ramifies and breaks down as it grows, facilitating reproduction. In aquarium settings, excess plants can be easily removed by netting them out.
Habitat and Distribution
Azolla filiculoides is commonly found in diverse freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and swamps, across the Americas. It has been introduced by humans to regions outside its native range, such as Central Europe, where it can also be found in the wild. The plant's ability to survive in various water conditions and its efficient nutrient absorption make it a valuable addition to aquatic environments.