Salvinia auriculata is a species of plant in the Salviniaceae known by the common names eared watermoss, African payal (Malayalam: ആഫ്രിക്കൻ പായൽ), and butterfly fern. It is native to the Americas from Mexico south to Argentina and Chile. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and it has become naturalized in the wild in some places.This species is hard to distinguish from other Salvinia. The plant varies in size depending on how crowded it is among other plants.This plant has long been known as an invasive species. It had infested the Zambezi River by 1949. It is also considered invasive in New-Caledonia.
Eared watermoss is generally resistant to disease and has relatively few insect pests. It is regarded as difficult to care for because it needs a consistently moist environment and frequent watering. Its roots, however, can rot if it is overwatered or the surroundings lack good ventilation. This plant is better suited to people with some cultivation experience, since most growers can keep it alive for a period of time. Still, Eared watermoss can struggle to prosper and its leaves may dry out and decline in health over time.
How to keep Salvinia Auriculata.
Light
Eared watermoss is native to habitats such as forest understories or rocky areas that provide natural shade. It prefers Full Shade but can tolerate Partial Sun.
Temperature
Eared watermoss comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It is sensitive to sudden temperature shifts and prefers a consistent temperature, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It generally cannot tolerate cold conditions and requires warmer temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Salvinia
- Family
- Salviniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 5 cm to 10 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Pale Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Native Area
- Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname, Honduras, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica
Other names.
