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About Red Root Floater
Red Root Floater is one of the most beautiful floating aquarium plants available, prized for its vibrant red roots and colourful floating leaves that range from bright green to deep crimson under strong lighting. Native to the calm waterways of South America, this elegant floating plant is a favourite among aquascapers for adding natural beauty while providing numerous benefits to freshwater aquariums.
When grown under high lighting with adequate nutrients, the rounded leaves develop stunning shades of red, burgundy, and copper, while the long crimson roots create a dramatic curtain beneath the water's surface. These roots provide excellent shelter for shrimp, fish fry, and timid species, while also acting as a natural grazing area for biofilm and microorganisms.
Red Root Floater is an excellent nutrient absorber, helping to remove excess nitrates and phosphates from the water while naturally reducing algae growth. It thrives in calm surface conditions with minimal agitation, making it ideal for Betta aquariums, shrimp tanks, planted aquariums, and Nature Aquascapes.
Easy to care for and incredibly rewarding, Red Root Floater quickly multiplies by producing daughter plants, forming attractive floating colonies across the aquarium surface.
Beautiful, functional, and easy to maintain, Red Root Floater is one of the finest floating plants for freshwater aquariums.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name
Phyllanthus fluitans
Common Name
Red Root Floater
Origin
South America
Plant Type
Floating Plant
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Difficulty
Beginner
Lighting
Moderate to High (High light enhances red colouration)
CO₂ Required
No
Temperature
20–30°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Water Hardness
2–12 dGH
Placement
Floating on the water surface
Suitable For
Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, Betta aquariums, nano tanks, breeding tanks, and aquascapes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my Red Root Floater turning red?
The richest red colour develops under high lighting, stable nutrients, and low surface movement. Under lower light, the leaves often remain green while the roots stay red.
Does Red Root Floater need to be planted?
No. It is a true floating plant and should remain on the water surface. Never bury it in the substrate.
Is Red Root Floater good for shrimp tanks?
Absolutely. The long roots provide excellent shelter for shrimp and shrimplets while supporting biofilm growth for natural grazing.
Does Red Root Floater help reduce algae?
Yes. It rapidly absorbs excess nutrients from the water and provides light shading, helping to naturally reduce nuisance algae.
Why are my Red Root Floater leaves melting?
Leaf damage is often caused by excessive surface agitation, water splashing onto the leaves, nutrient deficiencies, or poor lighting. Calm surface water and stable conditions will produce the healthiest growth.
Common Mistakes
Excessive surface agitation
Strong filter outlets or splashing can damage the floating leaves and slow growth. Red Root Floater performs best on calm water.
Allowing complete surface coverage
Thin the plants regularly to maintain oxygen exchange and allow light to reach submerged plants.
Insufficient lighting
Low light prevents the leaves from developing their signature deep red colouration.
Nutrient deficiencies
Although it absorbs nutrients from the water column, regular liquid fertilisation may be beneficial in heavily planted aquariums.
Poor airflow above the aquarium
Excess condensation on tightly covered aquariums can damage floating leaves. Good ventilation helps maintain healthy growth.
