PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Tolerates partial shade to full sun; avoid extreme midday sun that can overheat shallow water habitats
Watering
Requires consistent, still shallow freshwater; avoid stagnant, polluted water to prevent algal overgrowth
Temperature
Thrives at 15–25°C; can tolerate brief cold snaps down to 5°C but will die if water freezes solid
Characteristics
- Frond: Oval, bright green, 1–8 mm long, thickened with internal air pockets for buoyancy
- Flower: Minute, unisexual, rarely produced; consists of one stamen and one pistil
- Root: Single thread-like root per frond, up to 1 cm long for nutrient uptake
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level; top up with dechlorinated water as needed
Fertilization
Add diluted aquatic plant fertilizer once monthly. Use fertilizers low in copper to avoid harming the duckweed colony
Aquarium water change runoff：Use clean, dechlorinated aquarium water to top up the habitat; avoid adding excess organic matter that can trigger algal bloomsPruning
- Thin overcrowded fronds to maintain water oxygen levels and prevent light blockage
- Remove brown, decaying fronds promptly to preserve water quality
- Avoid disturbing root systems when thinning colonies to prevent stress
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats; safe for curious pets
Humans: No toxic effects reported in humans; safe for incidental contact or ingestion
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Aquatic ornamental, natural water filtration, food source for waterfowl and aquarium fish
