Red Root Floater – Phyllanthus fluitans Floating Aquarium Plant
Red Root Floater is a beautiful floating freshwater aquarium plant known for its rounded green leaves and bright red roots. Also known as Phyllanthus fluitans, this popular floating plant adds color, texture, and natural cover to shrimp tanks, fry tanks, betta aquariums, and planted community setups.
Under strong lighting and good nutrients, Red Root Floater leaves can develop reddish tones while the roots become more vibrant. This easy floating plant helps provide shade, reduce excess light, limit algae growth, and create safe cover for shrimp, fry, and small fish.
Key Features
- Beautiful floating aquarium plant with bright red roots
- Rounded green leaves can blush red under strong light
- Excellent cover for shrimp, fry, and small fish
- Helps provide shade and reduce excess aquarium light
- Fast-growing and beginner-friendly
- Great for shrimp tanks, betta tanks, and planted aquascapes
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Phyllanthus fluitans
- Common Name: Red Root Floater
- Plant Type: Floating aquarium plant
- Placement: Floating surface plant
- Lighting: Medium to high for best red coloration
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required
- Substrate: Not required; floats on the water surface
Tank Placement
Red Root Floater should be placed directly on the surface of the aquarium water. It does not need to be planted in substrate and will naturally float while sending red roots down into the water column.
This floating plant works especially well in shrimp tanks, fry tanks, betta aquariums, and peaceful community setups. It can be used to create shaded areas, soften bright lighting, and provide a more natural surface environment for aquarium livestock.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Red Root Floater grows best under medium to high lighting. In lower lighting, the leaves may stay more green, while stronger lighting and balanced nutrients can help bring out red tones in the leaves and roots.
CO2 is not required for Red Root Floater because it grows at the water surface and has direct access to atmospheric CO2. Regular liquid fertilization can help support fast growth, healthy leaves, and stronger coloration.
Trimming & Maintenance
Red Root Floater grows quickly and should be thinned regularly to prevent it from covering the entire water surface. Removing excess growth helps maintain proper light penetration and gas exchange in the aquarium.
Keep the leaves relatively dry when possible and avoid strong surface agitation, as heavy splashing can damage floating plants. Gentle water movement is usually best for healthy floating plant growth.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Shrimp tanks and fry tanks
- Betta aquariums
- Low-tech planted aquariums
- Floating plant aquascapes
- Shade for low-light fish and plants
- Algae control by reducing excess light
- Natural cover for small fish and invertebrates
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Red Root Floater grow in low light?
Yes. Red Root Floater can grow in lower light, but it may stay more green. Medium to high lighting helps bring out stronger red tones.
Is Red Root Floater safe for shrimp and fry?
Yes. Red Root Floater is excellent for shrimp and fry tanks. The roots provide cover, grazing surfaces, and shelter for small aquarium inhabitants.
Does Red Root Floater need CO2?
No. Red Root Floater does not require CO2 injection. It grows at the surface and can access CO2 from the air.
Why is my Red Root Floater not turning red?
Red coloration is usually strongest with brighter light, balanced nutrients, and stable water conditions. In lower light, the plant may remain mostly green.
How fast does Red Root Floater grow?
Red Root Floater is a fast-growing floating plant under good lighting and nutrient conditions. Regular thinning may be needed to keep it from covering the surface.
Can Red Root Floater help with algae?
Yes. Red Root Floater can help reduce algae by shading the aquarium and absorbing excess nutrients from the water column.
Does Red Root Floater need substrate?
No. Red Root Floater is a floating plant and does not need substrate. Simply place it on the water surface.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Red Root Floater is a colorful floating aquarium plant for aquarists looking to add red roots, natural shade, and cover for shrimp, fry, bettas, and peaceful community fish. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquarium supplies.
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