Dennerle Limnobium Laevigatum

Limnobium laevigatum, known as Amazon Frogbit or Smooth Frogbit, is a floating aquatic plant native to tropical and subtropical South America, where it forms floating mats on calm rivers, lakes, and marshes. In the aquarium, it produces circular to oval spongy, bright green leaves 2–6 cm in diameter on short petioles, with spongy aerenchyma tissue on the underside that keeps the leaves afloat. The dangling root systems provide cover and biofilm-grazing habitat for fry and shrimp.

Amazon Frogbit is an excellent surface plant for planted aquariums for several reasons: its floating leaves diffuse and soften light reaching lower plants, creating more natural dappled-light conditions; the roots absorb excess nutrients directly from the water column, helping control algae; and the surface coverage provides shelter for labyrinth fish (bettas, gouramis) and jumping or air-breathing species that appreciate calm surface access.

This plant grows rapidly under good light and can cover the entire surface of a tank quickly — partial coverage is usually the aquarist's goal. It is propagated by runners that produce daughter plants, which can be removed and replanted or distributed.

Dennerle supplies this as a clean, healthy potted or loose plant specimen suitable for immediate aquarium introduction.

Light: Low to high light at the surface (plants float at the surface so receive maximum light). Grows in most aquarium lighting conditions. Shades lower plants beneficially.

CO2: Not required. Absorbs CO2 from the air and water surface.

Nutrients: Absorbs nutrients from water column — beneficial for reducing nitrate and phosphate. Liquid fertilization or rich water supports fast growth.

Maintenance: Remove excess plants regularly to prevent total surface coverage which blocks all light to lower plants. Aim for 30–50% surface coverage.

Placement: Floating surface plant. Allow to drift freely or contain in one area with a floating ring barrier.

Water Parameters: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 18–28°C. Very adaptable. Grows in a wide range of conditions.