16 replies to this topic

[Billybob]

So when I used to cultivate CPs a few years ago, I had a problem with algae gumming up the water. I mentioned it on here, and one member very kindly sent me some of this water plant which floated on the water and somehow meant no algae could grow. I can't for the life of me remember what it was called, it sounded similar to "Salvia" I think (except obviously it wasn't actually Salvia!).

Does anyone else use this stuff/know what its called? Even better, does anyone know where I might be able to get some?

I hope I've posted this in the right place, mods!

Cheers!

[Markus Berg]

Hello,

I'm pretty sure that the plant you mean is a Salvinia species, this is a sort of floating fern. Especially Salvinia natans is a easy to grow plant that you should get in most aquarium-supply stores, maybe also in some garden-markets. The plant may help if there are too much nutrients in the water that causes algae to grow, but Salvinia also can easily overgrow other plants, in some countries (like Australia) this is a invasive weed.

Another plant that could be used is Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce).  I hope I could help you a bit.

Best Regards

Markus

[mobile]

I have Riccia, which is a common aquarium plant, and U. gibba in a water tray on a bright windowsill and the water never gets algae. I think it's possibly due to these soaking up the nutrients.

[Billybob]

Amazing guys, thank you. I googled Salvinia and that's exactly what they were! As luck would have it, there are some living in a puddle near me which I'll comandeer a sample of soon :)

Cheers!

[gardenofeden]

Billybob, on 23 February 2012 - 01:24 AM, said:

Amazing guys, thank you. I googled Salvinia and that's exactly what they were! As luck would have it, there are some living in a puddle near me which I'll comandeer a sample of soon :)

Cheers!

really, you sure  they are Salvinia growing outside? they are tropicak plants and need a fair temperature to do well.....

[johns]

Not all Salvinia species are tropical. E.g. Salvinia natans is native to much of Europe.

[gardenofeden]

thanks, was not aware

[Ordovic]

Can Azolla filiculoides (also a water fern) be used for the same purpose, does anyone know?

[billynomates666]

Ordovic, on 28 February 2012 - 11:42 AM, said:

Can Azolla filiculoides (also a water fern) be used for the same purpose, does anyone know?

Yes it can, basically anything that covers the surface, excludes light and absorbs nutrients will do the trick, but like duckweed it can get to be a pain in the ass

Cheers
steve

[johns]

I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies.

[billynomates666]

johns, on 28 February 2012 - 13:52 PM, said:

I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies.

Ahhh thanks for that, I was unaware of that.

Cheers
Steve

[Ordovic]

johns, on 28 February 2012 - 13:52 PM, said:

I don't think it's a good idea to use Azolla for that purpose. They have a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which is why they are used as a natural fertilizer on rice paddies.

Good point.

[jb_orchidguy]

Yeah azolla is wonderful. I didn't think it would add too much nitrogen, but if folks have experience with it and not good results I may rethink getting more.

[Billybob]

So it turns out the stuff near me very definitely isn't Salvinia as it has started growing out of the trays...will be looking on the web!

Edited by Billybob, 17 March 2012 - 12:10 PM.

[gardenofeden]

have you got a pic?

[Billybob]

gardenofeden, on 17 March 2012 - 14:55 PM, said:

have you got a pic?

Not at the moment unfortunately, I can't find my camera. I'm not really sure what the stuff is, but I've ordered a pack of Salvinia Natans from ebay for £2.50, so that'll be going in the trays now!

[jimscott]

mobile, on 21 February 2012 - 19:51 PM, said:

I have Riccia, which is a common aquarium plant, and U. gibba in a water tray on a bright windowsill and the water never gets algae. I think it's possibly due to these soaking up the nutrients.

I've been growing U. gibba & Aldrovanda together in a 10 gallong fishtank, outside, on our porch for the past 2 years. There's plent of direct sun and algae has not been an issue. That might be because the U. gibba is so pervasive and possibly I give them plants bog water, which does have snails. Whatever the dynamics, algae hasn't been a problem.

Edited by jimscott, 17 March 2012 - 20:41 PM.