Close-up of Azolla caroliniana with tiny overlapping leaves in a calm aquarium
Close-up of Azolla caroliniana with tiny overlapping leaves in a calm aquarium
Azolla Caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Mosquito Fern, is a premium floating aquatic plant that adds a unique touch to any aquarium or pond. Known for its delicate, feathery appearance and rapid growth, Azolla Caroliniana is perfect for creating a lush, natural look on the water's surface.
Azolla Caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Mosquito Fern, is a premium floating aquatic plant that adds a unique touch to any aquarium or pond. Known for its delicate, feathery appearance and rapid growth, Azolla Caroliniana is perfect for creating a lush, natural look on the water's surface.
One of the notable features of Azolla is its unique growth habit. It forms small floating clusters or mats on the water's surface, creating a green carpet-like appearance. The plant consists of tiny, scale-like leaves that are densely packed together, providing a visually appealing texture.
One of the notable features of Azolla is its unique growth habit. It forms small floating clusters or mats on the water's surface, creating a green carpet-like appearance. The plant consists of tiny, scale-like leaves that are densely packed together, providing a visually appealing texture.
Azolla has several remarkable characteristics that make it a valuable addition to aquatic ecosystems. Firstly, it is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria. This nitrogen fixation process enriches the water with nutrients and can benefit other aquatic organisms by improving water quality and supporting the growth of plants and algae.
Azolla has several remarkable characteristics that make it a valuable addition to aquatic ecosystems. Firstly, it is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria. This nitrogen fixation process enriches the water with nutrients and can benefit other aquatic organisms by improving water quality and supporting the growth of plants and algae.
Cultivating Azolla is relatively straightforward. It thrives in freshwater environments with still or slow-moving water and prefers moderate to high levels of sunlight. Azolla can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but optimal growth typically occurs between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
Cultivating Azolla is relatively straightforward. It thrives in freshwater environments with still or slow-moving water and prefers moderate to high levels of sunlight. Azolla can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but optimal growth typically occurs between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
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Azolla (Fairy Moss)

6 reviews
Sale price
$8.99
Regular price
$12.99
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31%
Floating Plants: Small Portion
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One of the notable features of Azolla is its unique growth habit. It forms small floating clusters or mats on the water's surface, creating a green carpet-like appearance. The plant consists of tiny, scale-like leaves that are densely packed together, providing a visually appealing texture.

Azolla (Fairy Moss)

Small Portion

$8.99
$12.99
Small Portion

🍃 Azolla (Fairy Moss) – Floating Water Fern for Natural Filtration & Shade

Azolla caroliniana, commonly known as Fairy Moss, Water Fern, Mosquito Fern, Duckweed Fern, or Water Moss, is a fast-growing, floating aquatic fern that adds natural beauty and ecological function to ponds, aquariums, and outdoor water features. Its tiny, overlapping leaves form a delicate mat on the water’s surface, creating a soft, textured blanket of green that turns red or bronze under strong sunlight or cool temperatures.

Known for its ability to absorb excess nutrients, shade the water surface, and inhibit algae growth, Azolla is a favorite among aquarists and pond keepers for its low maintenance and high impact. It also provides excellent cover for shrimp, small fish, and tadpoles, while helping to reduce mosquito breeding.

✨ Key Features:

  • Scientific Name: Azolla caroliniana

  • Common Names: Fairy Moss, Water Fern, Mosquito Fern, Duckweed Fern, Water Moss

  • Growth Form: Small, free-floating aquatic fern

  • Leaf Color: Bright green; turns reddish in high light or cool weather

  • Light Demand: Low to high

  • CO₂ Requirement: Not required

  • Growth Rate: Fast

  • Placement: Surface-floating plant (no substrate required)

🌿 Optimal Growing Conditions:

  • Temperature: 59–86°F (15–30°C)

  • pH Range: 5.5–7.5

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate

  • Lighting: Full sun to moderate light; color intensifies in bright light

🌊 Aquarium & Pond Benefits:

  • Natural Filtration: Absorbs ammonia, nitrates, and other waste

  • Algae Control: Reduces light penetration to help limit algae growth

  • Shade & Shelter: Provides protection and cover for shrimp, fry, and surface-dwelling species

  • Eco-Friendly: Helps reduce mosquito breeding in still waters

📦 What You’ll Receive:

  • Sold as a Small Bare-Root Portion:
    Each portion measures approximately 2" x 2" and contains 20+ small floating plants, ideal for immediate use in aquariums or ponds.

    Simply place on the water’s surface and watch it grow and spread under proper conditions.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Azolla grows rapidly and may require regular thinning in well-lit or nutrient-rich environments. Not recommended for tanks with strong surface agitation or high flow. May be restricted in some regions—please check local regulations before purchasing.

Handling time for Live Plants orders:
 
Live plants are shipped from Monday - Saturday if you choose United States Postal Services (USPS): Most plant-only orders can ship out within 1-3 business days excluded out-of-stock, pre-order, or backorder products.
UPS 2-Days and UPS Overnight only ship from Monday-Wednesday to ensure they arrived in the same week. Please be mindful we also have 1-2 business days handling time, so please placed your order on or before Tuesday, the cut off time is 6:00 AM Pacific Time (PT)
 
Handling time for Live Animals orders:
Live Animals are shipped from  Monday - Wednesday: Live Animals orders take longer to ship. We only ship Live Animals orders when they can be delivered within the week so they don't spend an extra day in transit on the weekend.
Handling time for Live Animals ranges from 1-5 business days depending on the weather and health of the livestock. We will email tracking information when the order is shipped.
Free Shipping: We offer Free Shipping on eligible orders.
  • Free Shipping will take 2-5 days to reach you
  • If your orders included Live Plants & Live Animals. We will combine the shipment and you will see the flat rate shipping cost at checkout
  • Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands customers are not qualified for the Free Shipping program. Please upgrade to Expedited or Express Mail for faster delivery. 
    Delayed Parcels: Sometimes your packages may take longer than normal to arrive with U.S. Postal Service or our chosen courier. We are legally obliged to wait 15 working days (3 weeks) for a package to be considered lost. See U.S. Postal Service website for further detail. 
    • We cannot be held responsible for any delay caused by U.S. Postal Service but if your packages were lost by the courier service, we will issue a replacement by 50/50, which means we pay 50% and the customers pay 50% plus shipping for the replacement orders.
    Refused Shipment Policy: All customers must keep their address information up-to-date!
    • Please always keep your shipping address up-to-date! ( Debit and Credit Card, Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Shopify Pay, Ali Pay, and other payment processing services )
    • Any shipment being refused or shipped back to us by providing a wrong address or other reasons will not be refundable. 
    Cancellations: We understand sometimes thing goes out of control.
    • Please contact us ASAP if you want to cancel your orders. Orders only might be canceled if they are not being shipped by shipping couriers. 

    Return Policy: All sales are final

    • We do not accept returns or exchanges for Live Plants and Live Animals

       WHAT WE GUARANTEE

      24 Hours Live Arrival Guarantee* - In a rare case of live stocks dead on arrival, we must be notified within 24 hours by the same day of delivery. Please take clear photos of the damaged product and send it to us within 24 hours.  Live Arrival Guarantee will be void after 24 hours of delivery. All replacements are considered final and we will not replace the replacement.

      1. Picture requirements: Take at least 2 clear photos of damaged product in their original, unopened & sealed transparent packing and send photos and orders information to our email within 24 hours: aquariumplantsfactory@gmail.com 
      2. Please do not take picture of damaged plants, or animals in your aquarium. Once they have been introduced to your aquarium's ecosystem. It is no longer covered by our guarantee.

      Please be aware that our Live Arrival Guarantee is subject to certain conditions. Specifically, the guarantee will not be applicable in cases where the package is marked as 'invalid address', 'undeliverable' or is 'returned to sender.' This includes situations such as a vacant delivery address, a missing apartment number, or any other issues that prevent the postal service from delivering your package.

      It is crucial to provide accurate and complete shipping information to ensure the successful delivery of your order and the applicability of the Live Arrival Guarantee.

      Please keep in mind that Live Arrival Guarantee only guarantees that live stocks will be alive upon arrival. We cannot guarantee that you will continue to have success with them. Many factors, including the aquarium environment, water quality, nutrient, temperature, lighting, filter, and CO2 system, can contribute to the failure to grow live plants and live animals.

       

      WHAT WE CAN'T GUARANTEE

      Even though our plants are very clean, but we can't guarantee they will be 100% pest-free because we cannot be responsible for your aquarium. Please use it at your own risk. We recommended all customers rinse the plants with clean water and quarantine them before use.

      However, plants in tissue culture will be 100% free from pests, algae and never have been contacting with any aquarium.

      1. Due to the nature of the product. We don't guarantee our plants will be pests free. ( snails, algae, hitchhikers )
      2. We don't guarantee our plants will be free of pesticides. We use homemade, organic pesticides in our greenhouse to control pests. We do not use pesticides that contain copper. Copper is toxic to invertebrates such as aquatic snails, crabs, shrimps, etc
      3. We don't guarantee your aquarium success or are responsible for your aquarium inhabitant including but not limited to fish, shrimp, snail, turtle, etc. So please quarantine all plants when use!
      4. Unless specific, we don't guarantee aquatic plants will be grow emerged or submerge.

      Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

      Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

      Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.

      Close-up of Azolla caroliniana with tiny overlapping leaves in a calm aquarium
      Azolla Caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Mosquito Fern, is a premium floating aquatic plant that adds a unique touch to any aquarium or pond. Known for its delicate, feathery appearance and rapid growth, Azolla Caroliniana is perfect for creating a lush, natural look on the water's surface.
      One of the notable features of Azolla is its unique growth habit. It forms small floating clusters or mats on the water's surface, creating a green carpet-like appearance. The plant consists of tiny, scale-like leaves that are densely packed together, providing a visually appealing texture.
      Azolla has several remarkable characteristics that make it a valuable addition to aquatic ecosystems. Firstly, it is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria. This nitrogen fixation process enriches the water with nutrients and can benefit other aquatic organisms by improving water quality and supporting the growth of plants and algae.
      Cultivating Azolla is relatively straightforward. It thrives in freshwater environments with still or slow-moving water and prefers moderate to high levels of sunlight. Azolla can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but optimal growth typically occurs between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).
      Close-up of Azolla caroliniana with tiny overlapping leaves in a calm aquarium
      Azolla Caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Mosquito Fern, is a premium floating aquatic plant that adds a unique touch to any aquarium or pond. Known for its delicate, feathery appearance and rapid growth, Azolla Caroliniana is perfect for creating a lush, natural look on the water's surface.
      One of the notable features of Azolla is its unique growth habit. It forms small floating clusters or mats on the water's surface, creating a green carpet-like appearance. The plant consists of tiny, scale-like leaves that are densely packed together, providing a visually appealing texture.
      Azolla has several remarkable characteristics that make it a valuable addition to aquatic ecosystems. Firstly, it is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria. This nitrogen fixation process enriches the water with nutrients and can benefit other aquatic organisms by improving water quality and supporting the growth of plants and algae.
      Cultivating Azolla is relatively straightforward. It thrives in freshwater environments with still or slow-moving water and prefers moderate to high levels of sunlight. Azolla can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but optimal growth typically occurs between 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

      Customer Reviews

      Based on 6 reviews
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      D
      Devin H. (United States)
      Great

      Thank you

      K
      K. A. (United States)
      Cutest Little Plants!

      Arrived ahead of time, very well packed. So far, doing great!

      J
      Jacob N. (United States)

      Great

      B
      B.G. (United States)
      Real Bang for Your Buck!

      It was my first time ordering from Aquatic Plants Factory, so I wasn't sure how much I would get from a "small portion" but after receiving my order in the mail one small portion is way more than I expected. It was a small pouch that was just about completely full. They're a tiny floating plant, so it was awesome to get so many at once! It's also important that they survived the shipping process. I would buy this again!

      T
      Theresa A.M. (United States)
      It's teeny tiny!

      The moss is pretty much as pictured, healthy etc. BUT the scale is hard to determine from the pics. It's really pretty but the beautiful texture is quite hard to see unless you're sticking your face right up on it. In any case, I'm sure it'll do it's plant job of filtering etc, so it's going in the tanks.

      A
      Austin S. (United States)
      Super healthy plants

      Super clean and healthy plants. Typical duckweed and snails in but minimal. This was my second order if that says how I feel about it. Would recommend

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