Riccia sp. "Dwarf"

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is most effectively used when tightly bound to small stones or stainless steel mesh, creating fine-detailed foreground carpets. It can also be left floating, though its true beauty is shown when submerged. It must be placed in areas receiving unshaded, intense light.

Botanical form

free-floating submerged plant

This variant features much shorter, finer, and more densely packed dichotomous branches than standard Riccia fluitans. It forms an incredibly tight, compact cushion that looks like a miniature, bright green sponge. It is entirely rootless, relying on mechanical attachment when submerged.

Growth

Fast

Despite its dwarf form, its growth rate is very fast when provided with high light and CO2. It densely packs its branching fronds together, quickly expanding over its given surface. Frequent maintenance is required to manage its rapid expansion.

Substrate

None

Riccia sp. "Dwarf" is a compact, rootless liverwort that does not interact with traditional substrate materials. Because it takes in water and nutrients completely through its thallus structure, it thrives perfectly floating at the top of an aquarium. To utilize it as a carpeting plant, aquarists must physically bind it to pieces of slate, wood, or stones using hairnets or fishing line. It possesses no capability to drive roots into soil or sand, and attempting to plant it directly into the substrate will cause it to rot.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Because it is rootless, it relies entirely on column fertilization. A comprehensive liquid dosing schedule is necessary to maintain its bright green color and vigorous growth. Ensure iron and trace elements are readily available.

Root fertilization

None

Root fertilizers and active soils do not provide direct nutritional benefits to this plant. It absorbs nothing from the substrate. All nutritional management must be executed via the water column.

Trimming

Regular

Submerged cultivation requires relentless trimming; otherwise, the buoyant force of the plant and oxygen bubbles will tear it from its anchor. Use curved scissors to trim the canopy short, maintaining a tight, low profile. The fine trimmings can be very messy, so net them out diligently.

Propagation

Cuttings

Propagation is as simple as tearing a piece off and retying it. A very small clump can quickly grow to cover a new rock or mesh pad. It is highly invasive if floating fragments are left unchecked in the aquarium.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is highly sensitive to shading; any portion deprived of light will quickly rot and release the mat. It is also prone to melting if treated with liquid carbon products. Good circulation is necessary, but extreme flow can physically tear the delicate plant apart.

Layout role

Epiphyte, Nano

It is highly prized in nano aquascaping and Iwagumi layouts for its incredibly fine texture, making small tanks look much larger. It provides a stunning, bright green foreground carpet that pearls intensely. Its miniature size allows for very precise, detailed hardscape accents.