Salvinia auriculata
Care consensus, photos, and the collectors growing it.
- Common name
- African payal
- Plant type
- Aquatic plant
- Growth habit
- Floating
- Light
- Partial sun
- Watering
- Standing water
- Temperature
- Tropical
- Humidity
- Acquatic
- Propagation
- Offset
- Native range
- Tropical wetlands
- Toxic to pets
- Not toxic
- Toxic to people
- Not toxic
- public plants
- 0 public plants
- collectors
- 0 collectors
What Salvinia auriculata is
Salvinia auriculata, or African payal, is a free-floating aquatic plant. It rests entirely on the surface of standing water, never rooting into the substrate below.
The plant forms small, overlapping pairs of leaves. You will notice the upper surfaces are covered in fine, hair-like structures that repel water and keep the leaves dry. Living with it means watching it spread across your container as it produces new offsets.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI. Not veterinary or medical advice — check with a professional before letting a pet or a child near an unfamiliar plant.
People and Salvinia auriculata
How our relationship with this plant has changed over time.
- Pre-colonial
Native waters
In tropical wetlands, this plant moved naturally with the flow of water. It established dense mats that provided cover for small aquatic organisms.
- 19th century
Global movement
Botanical explorers began collecting and documenting the species as they mapped tropical waterways. Samples entered early herbaria and botanical gardens during this time.
- 20th century
Aquatic trade
The plant became a fixture in the aquarium trade. Growers moved it into controlled indoor settings to provide shade and oxygenation for tanks.
- Present day
Domestic cultivation
You now find it in indoor ponds and basins. It remains a popular choice for those who enjoy the simple, spreading habit of floating flora.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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Start a collectionFrequently asked about Salvinia auriculata
Quick answers pulled from the public catalog and care consensus above.
What is Salvinia auriculata?
Salvinia auriculata is a species in the Salvinia genus. Commonly known as African payal, a aquatic plant, and with a floating growth habit. Native to Tropical wetlands.
How do you care for Salvinia auriculata?
Reference care guidance for Salvinia auriculata: partial sun light, standing water watering, tropical temperatures, and acquatic humidity. Collectors on collecto.rs will refine this as more public specimens are added.
How rare is Salvinia auriculata?
No public collectors on collecto.rs track Salvinia auriculata yet — adding yours would make you the first.
Where can I see real photos of Salvinia auriculata?
Photos from real collectors will appear here once members start tracking Salvinia auriculata on collecto.rs. Sign up to add the first set.
Can I track my own Salvinia auriculata on collecto.rs?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your Salvinia auriculata, upload photos, track care notes, and connect with other Salvinia auriculata collectors. Your collection stays private by default; you choose what to make public.