A small, usually floating fern, in places growing in the mud. Green to red in color, depending on sunlight exposure. It forms dense mats on the surface of the water. A good source of supplemental food for Koi and Goldfish. Looks especially good when allowed to grow on a ledge in a waterfall or stream. Very nice in terraria. One portion is approximately the volume of a 1/2 cup measure.
This is a member of a special group of ferns, the Salviniaceae, which includes one other genus, Salvinia. Azolla comprises 6 species, the most common two are A. caroliniana and A. filliculoides. We make no attempt to separate the two because the differences are nearly imperceptible. Azolla makes a great cover for water or mud.
It is great food for Koi and Goldfish. The fish will eat whatever is out over open water but generally leave patches of it in harder to reach areas. These make a good source for more for the fish to eat as they break loose and float free. It is also possible to grow it over algal mats in drip zones in waterfalls. Tolerates considerable cold.
Color: Green to red (In the spring & summer with moderate sun and heat, the Azolla is bright fluffy green. In the late summer & fall with intense sun and heat, it turns more of a reddish/brown and the leaves are more densely packed).
Sun Light: Full sun to partial
Zone: Hardy in Zones 7-10
Flowers: Summer
Spacing: No Minimum
Spread: Trailing / Spreading
Growth: Moderate to Fast
Fertilizer: Absorbed From Water
Depth: Floating
Height: 0.1 inch tall
We've found the best success in shipping these when we send them earlier in the week to avoid lengthier shipping times caused by carriers weekend breaks. Orders placed Wed-Friday are likely to be shipped the following Monday.