Why are my Red Root Floaters turning green instead of red?

Red Root Floaters require high light intensity and adequate iron supplementation to produce their signature red pigments. Under low to medium light, the leaves will naturally revert to a bright, pale green colour.

Why are the leaves on my Red Root Floaters melting and dying?

Leaf melt is almost always caused by water sitting on top of the leaves. Ensure you have very low surface agitation and prevent condensation from dripping onto them from a tight-fitting aquarium lid.

Do Red Root Floaters need CO2 injection to grow well?

No, CO2 injection is not required. Because it is a floating plant, its leaves are exposed to the air, granting it access to unlimited atmospheric carbon dioxide.

How do I control the growth of this floating plant?

Simply use a net or your hands to scoop out excess rosettes during your weekly water change. Removing the excess prevents them from completely covering the surface and blocking light to the submerged plants below.

FreshwaterPlantsIntermediate

Red Root Floater

Phyllanthus fluitans

A highly popular freshwater floating plant celebrated for its distinctly red hanging roots and ability to develop deep crimson foliage under optimal lighting conditions.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 21 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 0 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 1 – 3 cm
Min. volume: 10 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and water column nutrient absorption
Water flow: Low to Still
Preferred setup: Open top or highly ventilated lid

About the Red Root Floater

Phyllanthus fluitans, widely known as the Red Root Floater, is an exceptional addition to the freshwater planted aquarium. Originally from the Amazon River basin, it is uniquely placed within the Phyllanthaceae family, setting it apart from many other common aquarium floaters. When provided with high light and limited surface agitation, it rewards aquarists with vibrant, deep red hues that contrast beautifully against submerged green foliage.

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Where Red Root Floater comes from

Native range

South America, Amazon Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia, Peru

Habitat

Stagnant waters, swamps, slow-moving rivers, and flooded forests with soft, acidic water.

Widely distributed throughout the central and western Amazon.

Similar species

Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Salvinia
Salvinia natans
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Betta splendens
Betta splendens
Betta fish thrive in the low-flow conditions preferred by this plant and actively use the dense root structures to anchor their bubble nests.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Shrimp will enthusiastically and continuously graze on the biofilm and micro-organisms that develop within the plant's suspended root system.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful tetras appreciate the dappled shade created by floating plants, mimicking their naturally dim, forested blackwater habitats.
Great
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Silver Dollars are notorious herbivores that will quickly graze on and entirely consume the delicate leaves and roots.
Not recommended
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Goldfish are omnivorous and will likely view these small, soft floating rosettes as an easily accessible food source.
Not recommended

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