Asian water plantain (Alisma orientale) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale, Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale, Ze xie
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Asia
Water
freshwater
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
Tolerant (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Full sun to part shade (pond marginal)

Care

Asian water plantain (family Alismataceae) is an Asian water-plantain, sometimes treated as a subspecies or variety of the common water-plantain, Alisma plantago-aquatica. Its rhizome is used in traditional Chinese medicine (ze xie) and Japanese kampo, with reported risk of liver damage, so do not eat it. Wikipedia gives no description of its habit or aquarium use. Treat it like the common water-plantain: a marginal plant for shallow water at pond edges rather than a submerged aquarium plant. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alismaorientale); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

By seed, which water-plantains set freely, or by dividing the base of mature plants in spring.

Compatibility and tank mates

Pond fish generally leave water-plantains alone, though koi may root around the baskets. Not suitable for tropical aquariums.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.