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Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Araceae
📍 Tropical regions worldwide
Water lettuce is a floating rosette plant with velvety, pale green leaves and a substantial root system. It provides excellent shade, nutrient export, and shelter for surface-shy fish. It grows rapidly in bright conditions and may become invasive outdoors.
Tank Mates
Will not damage leaves; helps control algae on roots and plant surfaces
Small and peaceful; will not uproot or consume the plant
Peaceful surface dweller that benefits from shade; may nibble leaves occasionally but not destructively
Small, gentle schooling fish that appreciate the shelter and shade provided
Surface-oriented fish that uses floating plants for cover; generally non-destructive
Excellent companion floating plant with similar care requirements and growth rates
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches
Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly; ensure adequate lighting; test and adjust macronutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
Root Rot
Blackened or mushy roots, foul odor, plant detachment from water column, rapid decline
Improve water circulation with gentle aeration; perform partial water changes; remove affected portions; ensure adequate light to promote photosynthesis and plant vigor
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant appears dull
Increase water circulation; reduce photoperiod if excessive (12 hours max); add algae-eating shrimp or snails; manually remove algae; maintain nutrient balance to prevent algae blooms
Melting (Tissue Degradation)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; rapid plant deterioration despite good conditions
Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, temperature 20-30°C); increase water change frequency; verify adequate CO2 and nutrient availability; improve lighting intensity
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- diet
- Water column nutrient uptake
- light
- High
- tank size
- No minimum – floating
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <40 ppm
- hardness
- 3–20 dGH
- temperature
- 68–86°F (20–30°C)