Ricciaceae
Crystalwort: Ground Cover Plant
Riccia fluitans
An extremely adaptable plant that thrives between 15-30 °C and a pH range of 5-8. While it is undemanding and does not require CO2 when floating, it needs strong light, CO2 injection, and good nutrient supply to achieve dense, compact growth as a submerged green carpet. Due to its rapid growth, it requires regular trimming.
Every 1 days
Partial shade
15° - 30°C
% - %
Categories
What is Crystalwort?
Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is a medium-care plant from the Ricciaceae family. Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is a cosmopolitan aquatic liverwort belonging to the Ricciaceae family, native to stagnant marshy waters. It forms a bright green, fork-branched thallus without roots or true leaves, floating in dense, cushion-like clumps just below the water surface. It is a popular pl...
Crystalwort grows up to 2cm, watering every 1 days, 15°C – 30°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Crystalwort is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Crystalwort?
TLDR: Crystalwort needs Partial shade, watering every 1 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Crystalwort?
As it is a fully aquatic plant, there is no traditional watering: it must always be kept submerged or on the water surface and should never dry out. Ensure stable, clean water parameters and perform regular partial water changes.
How Much Light Does Crystalwort Need?
Medium light is sufficient when floating, but strong lighting (and preferably CO2) is necessary for a dense underwater green carpet. Under light that is too weak, the plant will stretch and become loose.
What Is the Best Soil for Crystalwort?
It does not need soil or substrate because it is rootless and absorbs nutrients directly from the water through its thallus. To create a green carpet, secure it to stones or driftwood using fishing line or a fine mesh.
What Pot Should You Use for Crystalwort?
Not a potted plant: it can be kept floating freely or tied to stones, driftwood, or stainless steel mesh in aquariums or garden ponds.
What Is Crystalwort and Where Does It Come From?
Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) is a cosmopolitan aquatic liverwort belonging to the Ricciaceae family, native to stagnant marshy waters. It forms a bright green, fork-branched thallus without roots or true leaves, floating in dense, cushion-like clumps just below the water surface. It is a popular plant in the aquarium hobby, popularized by Takashi Amano: when attached to stones or driftwood, it creates a lush, pearling (oxygen-bubble-covered) green carpet. When left floating, it provides excellent hiding places for fry and shrimp.
How to Propagate Crystalwort?
Division (fragmentation)
The most common and simplest propagation method: a new plant develops from any broken piece of the thallus. Choose fresh, vibrant green parts.
- 1 Pinch off or cut a dense, healthy piece from the thallus.
- 2 Divide the separated part into smaller clumps.
- 3 Let it float freely below the water surface or secure it to a stone or driftwood with fishing line or fine mesh.
- 4 Provide good light and nutrients; the pieces will take hold and spread further within a few weeks.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Crystalwort Grow?
TLDR: Crystalwort can reach up to 2cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
2cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Crystalwort?
TLDR: Crystalwort is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
