PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade; avoid prolonged midday direct sun that may overheat shallow water
Watering
Requires consistent shallow freshwater; maintain water depth of 5–20 cm and avoid stagnant, low-oxygen conditions
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate water; avoid temperatures above 28°C which may cause foliage dieback
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, linear to spatulate floating leaves; submerged leaves are thread-like and translucent
- Flower: Tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers without petals, clustered at stem nodes
- Stem: Slender, branching stems that root at nodes in shallow freshwater
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level; top up with dechlorinated water as needed
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic fertilizer application once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to minimize algae growth while supporting foliage health
Composted banana peel extract：Fully compost banana peels, steep in dechlorinated water for 3 days, dilute 1:50 before adding to water; avoid overfeeding to prevent algae bloomsPruning
- Trim overgrown floating mats to prevent overcrowding and maintain water flow
- Remove yellowing submerged stems to reduce organic waste buildup
- Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration for submerged leaf growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Aquatic ornamental; natural water filtration aid in small ponds
