ADA Riccia fluitans

Riccia fluitans, commonly known as Crystalwort, is a vibrant, free-floating aquatic liverwort that has earned a place in iconic aquascaping thanks to its brilliant green colour and adaptability. Originally gaining worldwide attention through the work of master aquascaper, Mr Takashi Amano, Riccia is prized for its ability to create lush foreground carpets, soft floating mats, or textured additions to driftwood and rocks. Its vivid colouration and fine texture offer a dynamic visual contrast that enhances both minimalist and complex aquascape designs.

How to Use Riccia fluitans
Riccia is incredibly flexible in aquascaping:

• Floating: Allow it to drift freely at the surface where it provides shade and shelter for fry and shrimp. This form also absorbs excess nutrients, aiding water quality.

• Carpeting or Hardscape Attachment: For a carpeted effect, tie Riccia down to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe mesh or fine thread. With enough light and CO₂, it quickly forms dense, cushion-like growths. You can use riccia stone by ADA to attach it to and place in various areas of your scape, these flat slate rocks make a great growing surface and anchor

• Foreground Feature: In high-tech setups with strong lighting and CO₂, Riccia creates a striking foreground carpet that mimics a grassy meadow underwater.

How to maintain Riccia fluitans
Riccia fluitans is relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care helps it stay healthy and visually appealing. Due to its rapid growth, regular trimming is essential to maintain a compact shape and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown or detaching from its anchor. When attached to rocks or driftwood, occasional checks and re-securing may be necessary, as Riccia's natural buoyancy can cause it to lift away over time. It thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions, and while CO₂ supplementation isn’t strictly required, it significantly boosts growth and encourages denser coverage. This plant prefers soft to moderately hard water and a temperature range of 20–28°C (68–82°F), making it adaptable to a variety of aquarium setups.

Emersed Growth
Riccia fluitans also grows well in high-humidity, emersed setups such as terrariums and paludariums. When grown on moist substrates or stones above water, it retains its bright green hue and forms dense, moss-like patches. Ensure high humidity and indirect lighting to prevent drying out. This makes Riccia a versatile choice not just for aquariums, but for artistic emersed plant displays as well.

Riccia fluitans Growth Information