$9.50 – $21.00
Azolla caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina mosquito fern, is a small, free-floating aquatic fern found in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies. It’s notable for its rapid growth, ability to fix nitrogen, and striking color changes under varying light and temperature conditions.
🔍 Key Characteristics:
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Scientific Name: Azolla caroliniana
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Common Names: Carolina mosquito fern, water velvet
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Size: Tiny fern fronds, typically 0.5–1.5 cm across
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Color: Green under low light; turns reddish to purplish under high light or cooler temperatures
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Texture: Leaves are soft, velvety, and float on the water surface
🌿 Habitat & Growth:
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Growth Habit: Forms dense mats on the water surface, often covering ponds, ditches, or slow-moving streams.
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Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; intense light enhances red coloration.
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Water Conditions:
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Temperature: 59–86°F (15–30°C)
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pH: 5.5–7.5
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Prefers calm, nutrient-rich waters
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Description
Ecological Role & Uses:
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Nitrogen Fixation: Lives symbiotically with the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen—making Azolla a natural biofertilizer.
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Mosquito Control: Dense surface coverage helps suppress mosquito larvae by blocking access to the air.
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Aquaculture & Agriculture:
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Used as green manure in rice paddies
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Feed for fish and livestock in some regions
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⚠️ Cautions:
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Invasiveness: Can become invasive and choke out native species or disrupt oxygen levels in stagnant water.
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Maintenance: In ponds or tanks, regular thinning is needed to prevent overgrowth and maintain oxygen exchange.
✅ In Aquariums or Garden Ponds:
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Best suited for open-top tanks or outdoor ponds
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Adds a natural, floating aesthetic and helps reduce excess nutrients
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Not ideal for tanks with strong surface agitation or filters that cause turbulence
Additional information
| Available Quantities | 1 lb, 1/4 lb |
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