Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans)
Scientific name: Riccia Fluitans
Common names: Crystalwort or Riccia
Family:Ricciaceae
Maximum size: about 0.04 by 0.5 inch.
Light needed: Medium to High
Water contidions: pH 5.5 to 7.5, temp. 20 to 30, soft to hard water
Hardiness: Easy
Propagation: New plant forms from a vegetative outgrowth of a mature plant
Distribution: Occur nearly worldwide
Color: Bright green
Riccia is a lush floating plant found widespread through out the word. There are over 180 species belonging to this genus but only a few are commonly used in aquarium (Riccia Fluitans is the most common). The plant is bright green and there is no distinction between the leaf and the stems. It is difficult to tell the difference between Riccia Dwarf and Riccia fluitans.
It is a floating plant that can be wrapped around a weight with fishing line and submerged to make an attractive foreground plant. Underwater, Riccia fluitans thrives best with added CO2 and strong (2w/gallon or more). If there is enough light, this plant will develop attractive pearling.
