PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial shade to full sun; avoid intense midday sun in shallow, clear water to prevent overheating
Watering
Requires permanent shallow standing water or submersion; maintain clean, low-nutrient still water to limit algae growth
Temperature
Thrives in cool to temperate water temperatures; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, linear to spatulate submerged leaves; rounded floating leaves 2–5 mm wide
- Flower: Tiny, petal-less greenish flowers borne in leaf axils
- Stem: Slender, branching stems that root at nodes in shallow water
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level; top up with dechlorinated water as needed
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic plant feed every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen aquatic fertilizer to minimize algae blooms
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in dechlorinated water for 3 days; dilute 1:50 before adding to water; avoid introducing solid debris to prevent algae growthPruning
- Thin overcrowded floating mats to maintain water circulation and prevent light blockage
- Remove dead or decaying stems and leaves to keep water clean
- Trim submerged stems to control spread in small container water gardens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Aquatic ornamental for water features; provides shelter for small aquatic invertebrates and fish fry
