Description of Fairy Moss Azolla carolinianaįairy moss is a miniature, short-stemmed, heterosporous, aquatic fern with tiny green to reddish scale-like fronds that overlap each other. This aquatic fern has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.įairy moss is commonly found in shallow, still freshwaters where it forms extensive intense green or reddish mats on the surface of the water. Habitat of Fairy Mossįairy moss is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Americas, from the Southeastern United States to Central & South America. is native to the Americas, and the extant species are considered as weeds and non-native plants in wetlands, ponds, ditches, freshwater lakes and streams.įairy moss features a diminutive form, small leaves, plus fast-growing and reproductive habits similar to the renowned aquarium/pond plant: Duckweed. Two species from this genus are popular ornamental pond plants these are Azolla filiculoides & Azolla cristata (formerly known as Azolla craroliniana).Īzolla spp.

Mosquito fern, Water fern, Water velvet, or Red water fernĪzolla spp., commonly known as Fairy moss is a genus of about 7 prolific, floating aquatic ferns in the family Salviniaceae. Keep reading for everything there is to know about the Fairy moss including its nature, preferred water conditions, as well as how to cultivate and care for the plant in an aquarium, and other interesting facts. This species adds a great deal of texture and depth to the aquarium, and it improves the overall aesthetical value with its velvety appearance and impressive bright green/reddish coloration.įairy moss is endowed with rapid growth and amazing propagative qualities, and it can also withstand a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.ĭo you know that this plant also caused Ice age on the planet? Azolla (also called Fairy moss or Mosquito fern) is a stunning, prolific, and hardy aquatic fern often employed by hobbyists in decorating their freshwater aquaria, paludaria, and ponds.

Fern the green fairy