Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Water cabbage, Nile cabbage, Shellflower
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Probably pantropical; native range uncertain (likely including Africa and south-eastern North America)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
22–30°C
pH
6.5–7.2
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 not needed
Flow
Gentle; floating plants dislike strong surface flow

Care

Water lettuce is a floating rosette of soft, velvety, pale green leaves (2–15 cm long) with wavy edges and ribbed veins, trailing a dense curtain of feathery roots below. Tiny hairs on the leaves trap air and spongy tissue keeps it afloat. It grows in slow rivers, lakes and ponds through the tropics. In the aquarium it is a fast-growing surface plant for open-topped or well-ventilated tanks, as condensation and drips from a tight lid can rot the leaves. Give it a calm surface and decent light. The roots give cover for fry and surface spawners, and the plant uses up nutrients quickly, which helps keep algae down. Thin it out regularly so it does not shade the plants below. The maximum size given is rosette diameter. Wikipedia gives best growth at about 22–30 °C (it tolerates up to 35 °C) and pH about 6.5–7.2. It does not survive frost. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries, where its mats block light and gas exchange. The EU has banned its sale since August 2024, so sellers outside GB should check local rules. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads very quickly by short runners (stolons) carrying daughter rosettes; snap them off and float them. It rarely sets seed in cultivation.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish, large cichlids and some barbs eat the roots and leaves. Excellent for bettas, gouramis, livebearers and fry, which shelter in the roots. Needs tropical warmth; in temperate ponds it is a summer-only plant.

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

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