Dwarf Water Lettuce, also known as Water Lettuce or Pistia, is a popular floating freshwater plant recognized for its rosette of broad, soft leaves that resemble a small, floating lettuce. Its ability to create a lush cover on the water’s surface makes it an attractive choice for aquascaping and improving water quality.
Description:
Common Name: Dwarf Water Lettuce
Scientific Name: Pistia stratiotes
Family: Araceae
Size: Can grow up 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) per plant
Difficulty: Easy
Native Region:
Dwarf Water Lettuce is native to tropical regions worldwide, commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Aquarium Setup:
Tank Size: Suitable for small to large aquariums
Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Lighting: Low to moderate
CO2: Not required
Substrate: Not applicable (free-floating plant)
Additional Tips:
• Lush Cover: Provides excellent shade and shelter for fish, shrimp, and fry, making it an ideal addition to community tanks.
• Rapid Growth: Quickly covers the water surface, helping to absorb excess nutrients and reduce algae growth.
• Requires Regular Maintenance: Needs occasional thinning to prevent excessive coverage that could block light from reaching submerged plants.
