{"product_id":"phyllanthus-fluitans-10-plants-red-floating-plant","title":"Phyllanthus fluitans – 35 plants (Red Floating Plant)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePhyllanthus fluitans – 35plants (Red Floating Plant)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhyllanthus fluitans is a small floating aquatic plant prized for its unique round leaves that can turn intense shades of red under the right conditions. Native to slow-moving freshwater habitats in South America, it spreads freely across the water surface, creating a natural, shaded environment for aquariums and helping to absorb excess nutrients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppearance and Growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant produces small, almost circular floating leaves with delicate root systems hanging beneath. In optimal conditions it grows quickly, forming dense mats that can help reduce algae by limiting light penetration. Growth is mainly horizontal across the water surface, and it propagates easily by producing side shoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to keep it red\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intensity of its red coloration depends on environmental stress balance:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh light intensity is essential (strong LED lighting, preferably full spectrum)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate nutrient limitation, especially nitrates (too much nitrate keeps leaves green)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable micronutrients, particularly iron, which supports pigmentation without excessive greening\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood water surface exposure to avoid shading from other floating plants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen conditions are ideal, the upper leaves develop a deep red or reddish-orange tone, while lower-light conditions result in green growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal cultivation conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight: medium-high to very high light; the strongest factor for coloration and compact growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 22–30°C, with faster growth in warmer water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater: still or very gentle flow; strong surface agitation can push plants under and reduce survival\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNutrients: absorbs directly from the water column; benefits from balanced liquid fertilizers in small, controlled amounts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacement: best in open aquarium surfaces with access to direct light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon mistakes to avoid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToo little light → leaves stay green and growth becomes weak\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong surface current → plants sink or cluster poorly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcess nitrates → rapid growth but loss of red coloration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCovering the surface too densely → lower leaves die from lack of light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry air exposure above open tanks → leaf edges can desiccate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeeding up growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo encourage fast expansion:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide consistent strong lighting for 8–10 hours daily\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain warm, stable water temperatures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd gentle, regular liquid fertilization (avoid overfeeding nitrates)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the surface calm and unobstructed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriodically thin out mats to prevent self-shading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting facts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a true floating plant, not anchored in substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can double its coverage area quickly under ideal aquarium conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nature, it plays an important ecological role by providing shelter for fry and microfauna\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts color shift is a natural response to light intensity and nutrient balance, not a fixed genetic trait\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly decorative and functional floating plant, Phyllanthus fluitans is especially valued in aquascaping for its ability to combine fast growth, natural shading, and striking seasonal color changes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FLORITH Angelo GLbuc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58105178718592,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/7625\/0240\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_10b8b9a3-3517-4022-b2b6-53fd37b98c2a.jpg?v=1780392759","url":"https:\/\/florithglbuc.com\/products\/phyllanthus-fluitans-10-plants-red-floating-plant","provider":"FLORITH Angelo GLbuc","version":"1.0","type":"link"}