Water Lettuce – Pistia Stratiotes

Water Lettuce is an attractive floating aquatic plant that forms distinctive rosettes of soft, velvety green leaves at the water surface. Its long, feathery roots hang beneath the plant, creating a natural appearance while providing excellent shelter and hiding areas for fry, shrimp, and other small aquatic inhabitants. The plant absorbs nutrients directly from the water column and can grow and reproduce rapidly under favourable conditions. Because mature plants can occupy considerable surface area, Water Lettuce is best suited to open-top aquariums, large tanks, ponds, and paludarium-style setups with sufficient space. Regular thinning may be necessary to prevent excessive surface coverage and shading of plants below. Suitable for: Freshwater aquariums / Ponds / Paludariums Placement: Floating / Water surface Growth: Fast Lighting: Moderate to High CO₂: Not required Substrate: Not required Fertilization: Absorbs nutrients directly from the water column Propagation: Runners / Daughter plants Leaf Type: Broad, soft, velvety green leaves arranged in rosettes Root Type: Long, dense, feathery hanging roots Growth Form: Free-floating rosette Approx. Size: Rosettes commonly 5–20+ cm across depending on conditions Difficulty: Easy Water Temperature: Approx. 22–30°C pH Range: Approx. 6.0–8.0 Maintenance: Moderate; regular thinning may be required Special Benefit: Provides shade and excellent shelter for fry, shrimp and small fish Best For: Open-top aquariums, breeding tanks, large planted tanks, ponds and paludariums