PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; requires consistent bright light to support flowering; tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Keep root substrate fully saturated or submerged in 2–5 cm of standing water; avoid complete drying of the growing medium
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C during winter dormancy; avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C to prevent leaf scorch
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate, clover-like floating leaves; glossy green oval leaflets with smooth margins
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of star-shaped white or pale pink flowers with fringed petals
- Stem: Slender creeping rhizomes rooted in bog substrate; upright flowering stalks
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level; top up standing water as it evaporates
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic plant feed applied once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to minimize algae growth in standing water
Composted eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer of finely ground, fully composted eggshells on the substrate surface; avoid overapplication to prevent nutrient buildupPruning
- Trim yellowing or damaged floating leaves to maintain plant appearance
- Cut back spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to rhizome growth
- Thin overcrowded rhizomes every 2–3 years in early spring to prevent overgrowth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; traditional medicinal uses have limited modern clinical support
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental pond and bog garden plant; historical medicinal use for digestive complaints (not recommended without professional guidance)
