Riccia fluitans

Crystalwort Growing & Care Guide

Crystalwort, or Riccia Fluitans, is an exceptionally unique, bright green liverwort species native to temperate regions globally. Celebrated by legendary aquascaper Takashi Amano for its spectacular pearling ability, it features rules-based Y-shaped branching leaves that trap thousands of tiny oxygen bubbles, forming glowing, crystal-like underwater carpets when bound to stones.

Lighting Moderate to High

Water Parameter Aquatic (pH 6.0-7.8)

Substrate Epiphytic (Driftwood / Rock)

Water Temp 15°C - 26°C

Toxicity Pet Friendly (Non-toxic)

Botanical macro photography of Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Crystalwort

Crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Glowing, bright green vertical clumps of Y-shaped branching flat leaf ribbons.
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Leaf Morphology: Unique, rules-based Y-shaped (dichotomous) branching flat green leaf ribbons (approx. 0.1 inch wide) without roots.
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Root & Anchoring Structure: Completely rootless; relies on external mesh, line, or glue to remain bound to hardscape.

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Complete Cultivation & Spawning Guide

Follow our detailed scientific water parameters and care guides to keep your Crystalwort thriving.

pH: 6.0 - 7.8, GH: 3 - 15 dGH. Extremely resilient, adapting easily to soft or hard water conditions.

High. Pressurized CO2 injection (20-30 ppm) is highly recommended to support its rapid growth rate and pearling.

Moderate to high. Requires moderate to high lighting to trigger its iconic pearling oxygen bubbles.

Cut off old, yellowing, or damaged leaves at the base of the stem. Clean dead organic debris to prevent siltation.

An water-column feeder. Relies on liquid macro and micro nutrients; substrate fertilizers are ineffective.

Do not bury in soil! Secure the rootless green mats onto rocks or wood using a hairnet or clear line.

Optimal temperature is 15°C to 26°C (59°F - 78.8°F). Prefers cooler water; highly sensitive to heat above 28°C.

Requires steady water circulation. Good current delivers carbon and trace minerals directly to its branching fronds.

Its delicate leaves can be eaten by herbivorous fish. Best for community tanks with small fish and shrimp.

Slow growth makes it susceptible to hair algae. Keep water clean and employ Siamense Algae Eaters or Amano shrimps.

Best placed in the foreground. Space individual crowns 1 to 2 inches apart in the background.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Clump Detachment (Floating)

Symptoms: The thick green mat detaches from the stone and floats to the surface, rotting at the bottom.

Action: Caused by the bottom layer of the moss dying from lack of light as the clump grows thicker. Trim regularly and re-wrap if needed.

High Temp Decay

Symptoms: Branching ribbons turn pale yellow-brown and dissolve in warm water above 28°C.

Action: Keep water cool (under 26°C) using cooling fans or a chiller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Crystalwort floating?

Riccia fluitans is naturally a floating plant without roots. When grown submerged, it must be regularly wrapped onto rocks using line or mesh; otherwise, as it grows thicker, it will float away.

How do I trigger its famous pearling?

Provide moderate to high lighting, regular comprehensive liquid fertilization, and constant pressurized CO2. The Y-shaped tips will trap thousands of silver bubbles.

How do I prune Riccia correctly?

Prune regularly using sharp curved aquascaping scissors to keep the mat thin (under 0.8 inches) to prevent the bottom layer from dying.

Is it safe for shrimp?

Yes! Shrimps love climbing on its delicate Y-shaped ribbons, grazing on trapped organic particles and microalgae.