Red Root floater (Phyllanthus fluitan)

Order 5-8 plants with minimum 3-4 leaves each plant
*Please be advised that Phyllanthus fluitans will change colour depending on:
- Light intensity
- Nitrate amount

Phyllanthus fluitans is a species of free-floating aquatic plant known for its ability to change color and its distinctive red roots .

 Scientific Classification & Names

• Scientific Name: Phyllanthus fluitans Benth. ex Müll.Arg. 

• Common Names: Red root floater, floating spurge .

• Family: Phyllanthaceae .

• Etymology: The genus name comes from the Greek phyllon (leaf) and anthos (flower). The species name fluitans is Latin for "floating" .

 Description

• Growth Habit: A perennial, free-floating aquatic herb. It does not root in soil . The brittle stems can grow up to 13 cm long .

• Leaves: The small, rounded (orbicular) leaves are 9–17 mm in diameter with a heart-shaped (cordate) base . They are arranged in two rows along the stem. A key feature is the pocket on each side of the midrib that traps air to help the plant float . The leaf color is variable, ranging from bright green to a deep red, especially under intense light .

• Roots: The roots grow in clusters from the stem nodes and are typically a vibrant red color, which is the origin of its most common name .

• Flowers: It produces very small (about 1.5 mm), white flowers in the leaf axils, though it flowers infrequently .

 Distribution and Habitat

• Native Range: It is native to the Amazon basin in South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Argentina .

• Introduced Range: It has been introduced to other warm regions, including Florida in the United States, where it was first discovered in 2010 . It grows in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and canals .

 Ecological Impact

• Invasive Potential: In non-native areas like Florida, it is considered a potential invasive species .

• Environmental Threat: It can form dense mats on the water's surface, blocking sunlight from reaching submerged plants and altering the aquatic habitat, similar to other invasive plants like water hyacinth .

 Aquarium Trade & Care

• Popularity: It is a popular plant in the aquarium trade, valued for its aesthetic appeal .

• Care: It is considered easy to care for but looks its best under strong lighting with good nutrient levels, which intensifies the red coloration in its leaves and roots. It prefers calm water surfaces to spread effectively .

• Propagation: The plant propagates easily as stems branch out and portions detach to form new plants .

• Caution: Due to its invasive potential, it is crucial to dispose of excess plants responsibly and never release them into natural waterways .