Lanceleaf water plantain (Alisma lanceolatum) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Narrow-leaved water plantain
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia; naturalised in Australia, New Zealand and western North America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
70 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
Tolerant (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Full sun (pond marginal)

Care

Lanceleaf or narrow-leaved water plantain (family Alismataceae) is a perennial of Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, found occasionally in England and Wales. It roots in mud or shallow water and does best in 15–30 cm of water in full sun, growing to about 70 cm with lance-shaped leaves 12–20 cm long and pinkish-lilac flowers that open in the morning in summer. It is a pond marginal rather than an aquarium plant; underwater leaves are smaller and weaker. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is a hardy temperate plant for ponds, not tropical tanks. It is treated as a noxious weed and a weed of rice fields in places such as New South Wales and California. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alismalanceolatum); 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.

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