Salvinia Plant Care
Salvinia molesta D.Mitch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Salvinia molesta is commonly known as giant salvinia, or kariba weed, after it infested a large portion of Lake Kariba between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is a free-floating aquatic fern, with fronds that are 0.5–4 centimetres (0.20–1.6 in) long and broad, with a bristly, waterproof surface caused by the hair-like strands that join at the end to form eggbeater shapes.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Salvinia?
Salvinia grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Salvinia Native To?
What Is the Salvinia?
Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) belongs to the Salviniaceae family within the Salvinia genus. Salvinia is native to south-eastern Brazil, it has been accidentally introduced or escaped to countless lakes throughout the United States, including Caddo Lake in Texas. Salvinia is also known as Water fern, African payal, Giant salvinia.
Salvinia displays a floating aquatic fern growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Salvinia produces tiny, inconspicuous, greenish-brown.
What Light Does the Salvinia Need?
Salvinia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Salvinia?
Nutrient-rich, muddy soil or aquatic environments. Good drainage is essential for Salvinia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Salvinia?
Does not require traditional potting, thrives in 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 Salvinia?
Salvinia can be propagated through spores, division.
Is the Salvinia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Salvinia, 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 Salvinia?
Salvinia 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.
Keep exploring plants
Salvinia 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 Salvinia genus — compare its care with other Salvinia species on PlantoScan.
Salvinia is part of the Salviniaceae plant family — browse all Salviniaceae genera and species.
Salvinia 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: Salvinia molesta D.Mitch., family Salviniaceae (first published in Brit. Fern Gaz. 10: 251 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Salvinia, 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.
- 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.
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