Water Lettuce

[moondog]

I recently bought six water lettuce plants to float around my tank . Does it spread rapidly ? How does it propagate ? I have had duckweed , is it similar ? Any info. would be appreciated . Thanks , MD .

[Diana]

Water Lettuce is Pistia statiotes.
It is a great pond plant, but not so great in a closed top aquarium.
In the right setting (close to full sun, in a pond) the plants can easily grow to a 6" diameter 'head of lettuce' effect, and can be larger. They start sending out runners and can colonize the whole pond rather quickly.

It is an invasive weed in water ways where it can live over the winter. It freezes in my area, so I keep it in aquariums through the cold and put it back out in the spring.

In an aquarium it tends to stay small, and does not grow above the water. Mostly 2 leaves, rarely is each leaf larger than 1" diameter.
If the light is good it can spread in the aquarium.
If there is no lid, and the tank is near a window you might see the pond form.

It is related to Anubias and Cryptocoryne, but I have not seen the flowers on any of mine. Reproduces very efficiently via runners, so it probably does not bother wasting energy on flowers or fruit.

[moondog]

Diana , I am not too concerned about size or flowering . I just enjoy the roots and the fish seem enjoy the cover . If it does spread , I will keep it check . I do hope it does well in my aquarium . Thanks for the profile . MD .

[Crazygar]

Keep it away from direct close light, this will dry it out indoors. If you place the lights higher you'll have great luck and a supply for spring!

Gary