Salvinia
Floating fern, Spangled water fern, Ear-shaped water fern, Water velvet, Cat's tongue
- Height × spread
- 0.1m – 0.1m × 1m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 10 species of these aquatic ferns. They are plants from warm or tropical areas including America and Africa. They float on the surface of the water having a long stem with leaves attached. The foliage is soft to the touch, even spongy, their surface is covered with tiny hairs which protect the leaf itself from water. The leaves often fold and curve in an attractive manner which makes them highly appealing. They are happiest in partly shaded positions. They are not frost-hardy and may be eaten by other inhabitants of your pond. In warm places they can be become pernicious weeds, Salvia molest for example is not permitted to be grown or sold in the USA for this reason.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.1m – 0.1m
- Spread
- 1m – 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- 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.