Photo: Jared ShormaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Feathery water fern Plant Care
Azolla pinnata R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Azolla pinnata is a unique aquatic fern known for its vibrant green, feather-like leaves that float on the water's surface. Originating from tropical regions, this plant is popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to fix nitrogen and act as a natural fertilizer for other aquatic plants.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Feathery water fern?
Water Feathery water fern every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Feathery water fern Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Australia
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Feathery water fern?
Feathery water fern (Azolla pinnata) belongs to the Salviniaceae family within the Azolla genus. Feathery water fern is native to much of Africa, Asia and parts of Australia. Feathery water fern is also known as Pinnate water fern, Mosquito fern.
Feathery water fern displays a floating aquatic fern growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Feathery water fern produces tiny inconspicuous sporocarps.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Feathery water fern?
Azolla pinnata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Feathery water fern Need?
Feathery water fern thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Feathery water fern Prefer?
Azolla pinnata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Feathery water fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Feathery water fern?
Nutrient-rich, muddy soil or water with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Feathery water fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Feathery water fern?
Feed Feathery water fern every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Feathery water fern?
Not applicable, grows floating on water. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Feathery water fern?
Feathery water fern can be propagated through spores, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carolina azolla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Feathery water fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Feathery water fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Feathery water fern?
Feathery water fern is susceptible to generally pest-free. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Feathery water fern Need?
Feathery water fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Feathery water fern is native to much of Africa, Asia and parts of Australia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Feathery water fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Azolla genus — compare its care with other Azolla species on PlantoScan.
Azolla is part of the Salviniaceae plant family — browse all Salviniaceae genera and species.
Feathery water fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Azolla pinnata R.Br., family Salviniaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. 167. 1810. Bak. Hdb. 138. NPf (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Feathery water fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jared Shorma, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Feathery water fern Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species