DIFFICULTY Moderate

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Required

Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.

GROWTH Fast

High trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Crystalwort

A versatile liverwort that can be floated or tied down as a carpet.

Riccia fluitans was popularized by Takashi Amano. It forms bright green, pearling mats when tied to rocks under high light and CO2.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable High-tech suitable Fry cover
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementForeground
Typical height1–2 in
Typical width2 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height4 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR40–120
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitHigh
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingVery Low
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature60–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–12 dGH
KH2–10 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Attach to hardscape
Hardscape: Can be attached to rock or wood.

Tie down with mesh or thread.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Division

Acclimation

Adapts well.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Will detach and float away if not trimmed regularly.