Water lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
PlantFreshwater
Leaves are spoon-shaped, 5–15 cm, light green, covered with fine hairs making them hydrophobic. Roots are long and feathery, up to 30 cm. The plant reproduces via stolons, producing daughter rosettes. It absorbs nutrients effectively. Can become invasive in warm regions. In aquariums, it needs sufficient surface space.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–30 |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| GH | 3–10 |
| KH | 2–6 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Difficulty1/5
Dietphotosynthetic
Min. tank30 L
Min. group1
Adult size15 cm
Lifespan3 ans
Temperamentpeaceful
Care notes
Temperature 22–30°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 3–10. Moderate to high lighting (0.5–0.8 W/L) is beneficial. No substrate. Avoid strong currents. Remove excess rosettes regularly. Roots provide shelter for fry. Beware of snails that may damage leaves. Can be used in outdoor ponds in summer.