Azolla Pinnata
Azolla pinnata
📖 About this plant
Azolla pinnata (mosquito fern or ‘Azolla pinnata’ in Odia) is a small free-floating aquatic fern of the Azollaceae family. The plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic cyanobacteria (Anabaena azollae) — used as a biofertilizer in rice paddies (saves 30-50 kg N/ha). The plant is also used as livestock feed and for mosquito control.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun
Regular; moderately drought-tolerant
Moderate
15-38°C
Well-draining loam
Compost annually
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Indian Subcontinent
- 📏 Max height
- 10-20 m
- 📐 Spread
- 4-6 m
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White-yellow
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- 40+ years
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seeds
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic
Common issues
- Leaf spot, caterpillar defoliation
💡 Care tips
- Plant in well-draining soil with appropriate light. Tolerates Indian tropical conditions.


