Carolina Azolla or Water Fern

Family Azollaceae. Carolina azolla occurs naturally in North, Central and South America. It has been acclimatized in Europe and is distributed in two areas in Asia. It is very rare in Europe.

Carolina azolla is a fern that forms very beautiful green mats floating on the water surface. The plant is very delicate and requires careful handling. It is relatively rare among aquarists. It has a pronounced seasonal growth pattern with a dormant period in winter.

Under favorable conditions Carolina azolla, rapidly spreading, can cover the entire surface of the aquarium, shading other plants, so excess should be periodically removed from the aquarium.

The aquarium water temperature can vary within fairly wide limits. The plant thrives both in moderately warm water at about 20 °C and in a tropical aquarium at 28 °C. If the temperature drops to 16 °C and below, this leads to a cessation of growth. After some time the leaves of the plant begin to rot and it sinks into the water. Spores preserved in the bottom mud give rise to new plants in spring.

Water for Carolina azolla should be soft, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Hardness should ideally not exceed 10°, pH less than 7.0.

The plant requires very bright light. For artificial lighting you can use LB-type fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps. The power of the fluorescent lamps should be at least 2-2.5 W per 1 dm2 of water surface. The duration of the photoperiod should be at least 12 hours.

Dieback of azolla during the winter period is usually associated with reduced illumination, so with very bright lighting and a sufficiently high water temperature it is possible to preserve the plant.

© plantatlas.bio

Contact

Use of site materials is permitted only with the permission of the copyright owners.