FAQ
🌿 AquariumFloatingPlants.com — Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering & Shipping
What are your shipping prices?
• Standard Shipping: $5.99
• Priority Shipping: $11.99
• Free Shipping on orders $40+
These rates apply automatically at checkout.
How fast do you ship orders?
We ship live plants only Monday and Tuesdays and occasionally on Wednesday's depending on distance from our store to prevent plants from sitting in transit over weekends.
Most orders ship within 1-3 business days.
Do the plants survive shipping?
Yes! Floating plants ship extremely well. We pack them in breather-lined or insulated packaging, with moisture protection to ensure they arrive healthy.
Do you offer a Live Arrival Guarantee?
Yes, with Priority Shipping only— if anything arrives dead or damaged, simply send us a photo within 2 hours of delivery, and we'll replace or refund you.
Plant Care
How do I care for floating plants after they arrive?
- Rinse gently in aquarium water.
- Remove any damaged leaves.
- Place them on the surface with moderate flow and good light.
- Avoid covering the entire surface—plants need airflow to prevent burn.
- Let plants sit indoors for a couple hours before placing them in the water if they've been in extremely cold weather.
What lighting do floating plants need?
Floating plants do well under moderate to bright lighting.
Low-light favorites include:
- Frogbit
- Red Root Floaters
- Water Lettuce (small varieties)
- Salvinia minima
Why are my floating plants melting or turning yellow?
Common reasons:
• Too much surface agitation
• Sudden change in water parameters
• Not enough nutrients (especially iron)
• Excessive humidity under a tight lid
🔍 Healthy vs. Melt — What Does Normal Look Like?
Some cosmetic changes after shipping are completely normal and do not qualify as DOA under our Live Arrival Guarantee. Use the examples below to tell the difference.
| ✅ Normal / Healthy | ⚠️ Cosmetic Melt (Normal) | ❌ Dead / Claim-Worthy |
|---|---|---|
|
[Add your photo here — healthy green plant, firm roots] Healthy plant: Vibrant green color, firm leaves, white or tan root tips. This is what thriving looks like right out of the bag. |
[Add your photo here — yellowing leaf edges, root melt] Cosmetic melt: A few yellowed or translucent outer leaves, or roots that have partially melted off during transit. The plant crown and new growth remain intact. This is normal acclimation stress and the plant will bounce back. |
[Add your photo here — mushy, black, or completely disintegrated tissue] Damaged / Dead tissue: Mushy black stems, fully disintegrated leaves, or no viable crown remaining. If your entire order looks like this on arrival, send us a photo within 2 hours and we'll make it right (Priority Shipping orders only). |
Red Root Floaters & stem plants are especially prone to cosmetic root melt in transit — this is expected and does not affect the plant's ability to recover once placed in stable water conditions.
When in doubt, trim damaged leaves, place the plant in good light, and give it 1–2 weeks to rebound before reaching out. Most plants recover quickly once acclimated.
About Our Plants
How many plants come in a pack?
Each listing shows exactly how many. Most starter portions include 4–8 plants, depending on species and size.
Do you treat plants for pests?
We do not use chemicals. Plants may contain harmless snails or eggs. A quick pre-rinse can remove most hitchhikers.
Are your plants safe for shrimp?
Yes — our floating plants are shrimp-safe and commonly used in breeding tanks.
Compatibility & Tank Questions
Are floating plants safe for bettas?
Yes — floating plants are perfect for bettas. They reduce stress, diffuse light, and help mimic natural habitat.
Will floating plants reduce algae?
Absolutely. They consume excess nutrients, helping limit algae growth.
Can floating plants block too much light?
If they cover more than 50% of the surface, lower plants may not receive enough light. It's good to thin your floaters weekly.
Orders & Returns
Can I change or cancel my order?
If your order hasn't shipped yet, we'll gladly modify or cancel it. Just message us immediately.
What if my package is delayed?
Live plants usually survive extended transit. If the package is lost or severely delayed, contact us — we'll make it right.
Do you accept returns on live plants?
We cannot accept returns on live items, but we fully stand behind our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Contact & Support
How can I reach you?
You can message us anytime through our website chat or email. We respond quickly and are happy to help with plant care or tank setup.