Ricciocarpos natans

Also known as Ricciocarpus natans, Riccia natans, Fringed heartwort, Purple-fringed riccia

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Ricciocarpos natans (Ricciocarpos natans) — Christian Fischer · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: No CO₂ needed
Temperature: 59–82°F; 15–28°C
Max height: 0.8 in; 2 cm

Growth rate: Fast
Placement: Floating
Type: Floating
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 3–15 dGH
Spread: 11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Ricciaceae
Origin: Cosmopolitan; every continent except Antarctica

Overview

Ricciocarpos natans is an undemanding floating plant for calm water. It is easy to keep, and fry and shrimp graze and shelter among its hanging scales.

Did you know

The dangling purple scales under each floating heart of Ricciocarpos natans work like a keel and keep it upright at the surface. They are also the quickest way to tell it from a stray piece of Riccia.

Caring for Ricciocarpos natans

Float Ricciocarpos natans on a still or gently moving surface. Strong surface agitation and constant spray from a filter break the plants up and sink them. It also does poorly under heavy flow, or under a tight lid that drips condensation.

Give it medium light. It needs no added CO2 and has no roots to feed, so everything comes from the water. A tank with some nutrients in the water column covers it, or a liquid fertilizer does. It handles 59 to 82°F (15 to 28°C).

Growth is fast. Each heart splits at the notch into new plants, and pieces that break off keep growing. In a rich tank it works as a nutrient exporter, and you can scoop out handfuls once the cover shades the plants below.

Good to know

Ricciocarpos natans is not a flowering plant at all but a liverwort in the family Ricciaceae. It is the only species in its genus. Each thallus is a small, notched heart up to a few centimeters across, fringed beneath with long, dark purple scales. It is a close relative of Riccia fluitans but keeps a floating habit instead of forming submersed tangles.

In the wild

Ricciocarpos natans is found on every continent except Antarctica. It floats free on small, still, nutrient-rich waters such as ponds, oxbows, ditches and seasonal pools, usually in full sun. The hearts float with their upper side in the air, and plants stranded on wet mud switch to a compact land form. It is winter hardy in temperate climates, and in an outdoor tub or pond it overwinters and reappears in spring.

Common questions

Does Ricciocarpos natans need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Ricciocarpos natans floats at the surface and takes its nutrients straight from the water.

Does Ricciocarpos natans need CO2?

No. Ricciocarpos natans grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Ricciocarpos natans need?

Ricciocarpos natans wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

How do you propagate Ricciocarpos natans?

Ricciocarpos natans propagates by fragmentation and division. Pieces that break off keep growing, so pulling a clump apart spreads it. Each plant buds off new ones, so a few soon cover the surface.