Salvinia auriculata
Floating fern, Spangled water fern, Ear-shaped water fern
- Height × spread
- 0.1m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A floating fern that originates in Central and South America. This presents a curious aspect with rounded leaves closely packed in an array of wavy furls, coloured in shades of light to lime green with brown and plum tints, especially noticeable at the leaf edges. They could almost be exotic crepe swags used for Christmas decorations. The leaves are held on long stems. This fern floats on the surface of the water. Forms of Salvinia are relished by koi carp. It is not hardy and is unlikely to survive the winter except in the very warmest parts of the country. It is generally found growing in pools for tropical waterlilies in conservatories or greenhouses. It should be lifted before the first frost and wintered in a frost free environment putting it in a mix of sand and loam with a couple of centimetres of water above it.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Any
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Floats
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Lift before winter
Lift bulbs. tubers or rhizomes in autumn, to keep for the following year. Keep dry and in a frost-free location for the winter. Re-plant in spring.
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide every 3 years
Divide clumps every three years as this gives the best foliage colour.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Compost for aquatic plants
Use aquatic plant compost for pond plants (other composts contain nitrates that cause problems in ponds). Pond plants are generally planted in baskets and weighted to keep in position.