It is a floating fern that grows quickly if the required nutrients and lighting are available. The thin leaves are an indication that there is a lack of trace nutrients. It usually "steals" light from the plants in our aquarium. It has small hairs on its leaves which make them waterproof. It helps combat algae by shading some areas of our aquarium and absorbing nutrients from the water. In nature, it grows very large but also in the aquarium if conditions are ideal. It is suitable for aquariums without a lid. It was formerly known as Salvinia natans.