Azolla caroliniana
Scientific name: Azolla caroliniana
Family: Azollaceae
Usual maximum size in aquariums: 0 - 2 cm (0 - 0.79 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 8
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 18°N (0 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 15 - 27 °C (59 - 80.6°F)
Reproduction of the plant: Runners
Origin (in the wild): North America
How fast these plants grow: Normal
Recommended substrate: Without substrate
Demands on lighting: Bright
Ideal placement in a fish tank: Floating
Common Names
Carolina Mosquito Fern, Water Velvet are common names of Azolla caroliniana.
Origin
This plant species is widespread over North America right down to Central America.
Planting Area
Never attempt to plant this plant in the substrate as it’s a floating species.
Lighting Requirements
Bright lighting will speed up the growth of this plant, however it can tolerate medium lighting with no ill effect (proper ratio of nutriments must be present in the water, otherwise bright lighting is of no use anyway).
Propagation
Azolla caroliniana will be propagating itself by runners which are sent out. A young plant will be on the end of these runners. These are often two leaf juvenile plants and as they grow in size and develop more leaves they will detach themselves from the parent plant.
Difficulty
Easy if given the correct requirements.
Short Description
Azolla caroliniana is cultivated as a fertiliser as it has an ability to store large amounts of nitrogen from the water; this makes it very popular in the aquariums as the addition of these will reduce the nitrate levels in the tank. It is also used for fish food and poultry food production.