Water Lettuce

Pistia stratiotes, the Water Lettuce, is a striking tropical floating plant forming rosettes of ribbed, velvety blue-green leaves with an impressive trailing root system that provides natural biological filtration and ideal refuge for fry and small fish. It grows rapidly under high light and is highly effective at reducing algae by shading the water surface while consuming excess nutrients through its root system.

Float freely on the water surface in a high-light area. Temperature 20–30°C; will decline rapidly below 18°C. Water movement should be gentle to avoid swamping the rosettes. Supplement with liquid fertiliser in enclosed aquariums where dissolved nutrients may be limited. Trim excess daughter plants regularly to maintain water surface coverage without over-shading. Do not release into open waterways.