# Growing a Mosquito Fern Indoors
The mosquito fern (Azolla caroliniana) is also called azolla and water velvet. It’s an aquatic plant that floats in estuaries and other waterways. The plant is tiny -- less than 1/2 inch across -- and it’s considered the smallest fern. Although its presence provides dwelling places for invertebrates, it can become invasive, smothering the water’s surface and depriving it of oxygen. When you grow this plant in a fishbowl indoors, it’s easy to keep it thinned out to prevent the problems it can cause in the wild.
Things You'll Need
- Aquarium
- Slightly acidic water
- pH test strip
- Thermometer
Instructions
-
-
1
Set up an aquarium and fill it with slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.3 and 8.0. Use a simple pH level indicator test strip device to determine if your water is suitable. (See Tips and Warnings.)
-
2
Keep your aquarium in an area that receives medium to bright light. Keep the water temperature between 59 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
3
Collect mosquito ferns from the wild or purchase plants at an aquarium supply store.
-
4
Drop several mosquito ferns into your aquarium. They will float and will reproduce at a moderate pace.
-
5
Remove excess mosquito ferns from your aquarium when they begin to cover the surface of the water because it will choke out the light and oxygen your fish need to survive.
-
1
Indoor Growing
- Fennel Growing Conditions
- Growing Narcissus Bulbs in Water
- Growing Blue Lotus Indoors From Seed
- Growing Bamboo in Florida
- Growing Corn Indoors
- Growing Mandarin Oranges Indoors
- How to Grow a Bare-Root Staghorn Fern
- Growing an Olive Topiary Indoors
- Growing Wild Ginger Indoors
- Growing a Licorice Fern
- Growing Orchids in Hawaii
- Soda Vs. Water in Plant Growing
