Water lettuce is a free-floating plant with many spongy, dusty green simple leaves. The leaves are covered in very fine hairs and arranged in a spiral pattern from the center of the plant. The leaves are 1 to 2 inches wide and have large veins running their length. The flowers are seldom seen. Water lettuce is a very aggressive invader and can form thick floating mats. Water lettuce should be controlled so they do not cover the entire pond.

 

Water lettuce is a floating, herbaceous perennial plant found across the globe in tropical and subtropical regions. Water lettuce, also called water cabbage or Nile cabbage, is aptly named and looks like a head of the leafy greens. Water lettuce grows in rosettes on the water’s surface with thick, soft leaves that can reach 15 cm (6 in) in length. One rosette can reach a diameter of around 30 cm (12 in) and a height of 10cm (4 in).  Dense feathery roots extend up to 1 meter (39 in) below the surface of the water and provide ample shelter for small fish.  New growth usually occurs with the development of smaller daughter plants connected to the original growth via stolons. Water lettuce is a floating perennial plant found across the globe in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires growth temperatures of at least 15o C (59o F), and grows best around 22 to 30o C (72-86o F). This plant is particularly sensitive to dissolved minerals and requires water with a salt content of 2.5 ppt or less and an absence of lime. Water lettuce produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the centre of the plant in late summer through early autumn. They produce massive quantities of seeds, which can sink to the bottom of the water and survive winter in temperate climates. Although not winter hardy, water lettuce seeds can survive under water of at least 4C (39F) for two months.

Common name: Water Lettuce

Proper name:pistia stratiotes

Category: Floating plant

Temperatue: 15C-30C

pH: 5.0-8.0

Lighting: High

Growth rate: Fast

Difficulty: Medium

Position in aquascape: floating

Origin: America

 

Attractive, easy to raise, and economical.  If you're looking for a surface plant that also reduces the excess light that encourages algae growth, you'll appreciate dwarf water lettuce even more.

This is beautiful floating plant can be used indoor or outdoor aquariums and vivariums. Shrimp may often hang below the leaves on the roots. Plant also provides shelter for fish.

Removes Nitrogenous Wastes.  Roots like these suck nitrogen and other digested fish wastes out of the water.  They help purify the water.

Propagation by runners. Do not let plant completely cover the surface else other submersed plants will get shaded.

 

You will receive 1 plants packed in sealed, plastic bag, inside cardboard envelope, posted by Royal Mail.

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species.