Pistia stratiotes
| Common Names: | Water lettuce |
| Distribution: | Most tropical regions |
| Description: | Floating plant with large, spongy leaves and long, trailing roots. The leaves also have very small hairs. |
| Potential Height: | 16cm (6.3") |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Care: | Easy. Dissolved CO2 has no effect because the plant can get atmospheric carbon. Will do best in water that is very rich in nutrients. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
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| Lighting: | Bright lighting is easily provided for this plant because it floats. Will grow under most fluorescent lighting. |
| Propagation: | Usually by runners, though the plant flowers occasionally. |
| Comments: | Great for use as a nutrient sucker, spawning substrate, and shade for skittish fish in ponds or aquariums. Best to have an open top for these plants in aquariums and the light should be kept off the tank a few inches because the plant can burn or dry out. |
| Image Credit: | mattyboombatty |
| Submitted By: | mattyboombatty |
| Contributors: | mattyboombatty, Natalie |
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