Ricciocarpos natans

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is strictly a floating plant and must be placed on the water surface. It prefers calm areas of the aquarium where it won't be pushed under the water by strong filter outflows. It provides excellent shading and root cover for shy fish and fry.

Botanical form

Floating

It has a distinct, heart-shaped or fan-shaped thallus with a deep central groove. Unlike Riccia, it features long, dark purple to blackish scales on its underside that act like roots, dangling beautifully into the water. Its top surface is a velvety, vibrant green.

Growth

Fast

The growth rate is moderate to fast under good lighting and nutrient-rich conditions. It slowly multiplies, forming a structured floating canopy rather than a tangled mass. In optimal conditions, it can quickly cover the surface, requiring periodic removal.

Substrate

None

Ricciocarpos natans is a specialized floating liverwort that spends its entire lifecycle without coming into contact with a planted substrate. It develops long, ribbon-like purplish scales on its underside that hang freely in the water, serving a function similar to roots by drawing in dissolved nutrients. Due to its strictly pelagic nature, it completely lacks the biological mechanisms needed to root into soil or gravel. It should simply be allowed to float on the water's surface, where it will naturally proliferate and absorb minerals from the water column.

Column fertilization

Recommended

As a pure floater, it is 100% reliant on column fertilization. Dosing a complete liquid fertilizer ensures it has the necessary macro and micro elements to thrive. Its dangling underside scales are highly efficient at nutrient absorption.

Root fertilization

None

Root fertilization is completely irrelevant as the plant never contacts the substrate. Its 'roots' are actually modified scales designed to absorb nutrients directly from the water column. Rely solely on liquid dosing.

Trimming

Regular

Trimming is not required; instead, population control is achieved simply by scooping out excess plants with a net or by hand. It is important to remove some regularly so they do not block all the light from reaching the submerged plants below. It is much easier to manage than the messy floating Riccia fluitans.

Propagation

Division

Propagation happens naturally and continuously as the thallus splits down the middle, separating into two new individual plants. This dichotomous division allows it to multiply steadily without any human intervention. You can easily share extra plants by simply scooping them out.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is sensitive to being constantly submerged or splashed; the top of the thallus must remain dry to facilitate gas exchange. It does not tolerate high surface agitation or strong surface skimmers. Condensation dripping from a tight lid can also damage the leaves over time.

Layout role

Floating, Midground, group, accent

It serves as a beautiful, highly structured floating plant, perfect for open-top aquariums or paludariums. The dangling, dark purple scales provide a stunning aesthetic contrast when viewed from below. It is highly functional, offering shade to low-light plants and refuge for surface-dwelling fish.