Phyllanthus fluitans (bunch)

Common Name: Red root floater.

Phyllanthus fluitans originates from the Amazon River Basin. Although coming from a family dominated by desert plants, this plant has adapted to become a floating plant in a very humid environment.

It is not too difficult to grow given enough light and nutrients. Lighting should be intense (shoot for around 3 watts per gallon or more). CO2 is unnecessary. Nitrate and phosphate should be kept above zero (10 ppm or more and 1 ppm or more respectively), as this plant, like most floating plants, prefers rich conditions. Heavy iron and micronutrient dosing is essential for the health of this plant; without enough iron, this plant will fail to thrive. When conditions are good, this floating plant will produce slightly reddish leaves with small white flowers.