Broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Floating pondweed, Floating-leaf pondweed
Family
Potamogetonaceae (pondweed family)
Origin
Throughout the Northern Hemisphere (Holarctic), including Britain
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
200 cm
Temperature
4–22°C
pH
6–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light or full sun
Flow
Still to slow flow

Care

Broad-leaved pondweed is a common native pondweed of still and slow-flowing fresh water. Its cylindrical stems grow 1–2 m long. At the surface it makes leathery, dark green, egg-shaped floating leaves (5–10 cm) with a heart-shaped base; underwater it has only grass-like leaf stalks (phyllodes). Dense spikes of small flowers rise above the water in summer. It is a pond plant, too big for most aquaria and in need of a cold winter rest. In ponds its floating leaves give shade and cover. It suits ponds and coldwater set-ups and does poorly in tropical tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potamogetonnatans); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Divide the creeping rhizome in spring; it also sets seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

A pond plant giving shade for goldfish and native fish. Not for indoor tropical tanks.

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

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