Growing dwarf water lettuce in my aquarium

[angelica]

I've had experience with this plant for several years now. It performs well in some tanks and not as well in others. One thing to note is that all my tanks are covered. There's a common misconception about "dwarf" water lettuce - there's actually only one species, Pistia stratiotes.

From my research, here are some key points about this plant:

Pistia stratiotes belongs to the Araceae family, specifically the Aroideae subfamily. It's found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, and can thrive in freshwater and even brackish environments.

In terms of positioning, this plant is strictly floating and is ideal for ponds or large aquariums. It requires moderate to bright lighting, and its growth rate is partly dependent on the light it receives. I've found that it grows rapidly, and its size can reach up to 50cm or 20 inches in diameter, although it's usually smaller.

The plant can tolerate a range of water parameters, from soft to fairly hard (up to 25 dGH), and acidic to basic (pH 6 to 8). It can also thrive in temperatures between 15-30C or 60-86F.

One of the benefits of this plant is its ability to absorb nutrients, including ammonia and ammonium, making it a great choice for new tanks. It also provides excellent cover for fry.

Historically, the Pistia clade dates back to the Middle Eocene epoch, around 48.6 to 37.2 million years ago. The species itself was first described by Carl Linnaeus, who developed the binomial naming system we use today.

Overall, I've found Pistia stratiotes to be a magnificent floating plant that's well-suited to outdoor ponds or large aquariums. The so-called "dwarf" form is simply a result of less-than-ideal conditions, and it can grow into a normal-sized plant when conditions improve.

These water lettuces really thrive in my pond. A few small ones in the spring, and by early September, they've taken over the entire surface.