Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Floating water-plantain
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Western and central Europe, from Spain and Britain east to Ukraine and north to Norway
Water
freshwater
Temperature
4–22°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–10 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Floating water-plantain is the only species in its genus: a small European plant of base-poor lakes, ponds, slow rivers and canals with low to moderate nutrients, growing on silty or peaty bottoms down to at least 3.5 m. Its stems either rise through the water or creep and root at the nodes. Underwater leaves are narrow and strap-like, and floating leaves are small and oval, with three-petalled white flowers on long stalks. Legal note: it is a legally protected species in Great Britain (Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Regulations) and is protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Never collect it from the wild; only cultivated plants of legal origin should be traded, so check the rules before listing it. It is a temperate plant of cool, soft water and does not suit tropical tanks. It is best in a coldwater tank or wildlife pond. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luronium); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

In deep water it spreads mainly by runners and by seed from flowers that self-pollinate without opening. Separate rooted plantlets from the runners.

Compatibility and tank mates

Best in unheated or coldwater tanks and ponds with temperate fish such as minnows, sticklebacks or small goldfish; large goldfish and koi may eat or uproot it. It suits tropical tanks poorly over the long term.

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

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