Pistia stratiotes have velvety leaves. This acts as a soft place for fishes. The flowers are yellow in color hence looks attractive. The care level of this plant is easy in ponds. In an aquarium also they can be grown. The beginner’s guide gives information on how to grow this plant in an aquarium.
Pistia stratiotes plant
| Common Name | They are commonly called water cabbage. They are also known as shellflower, water lettuce, or Nile Cabbage. |
| Color | The leaves are light green in color. They are also seen as grey-green in color. |
| Habitat/Origin | They were found in the Nile near Lake Victoria in Africa. Nowadays they are found in all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways. Their habitat is water fields, lakes, and ponds. |
| Average Size | The leaves are 10 cm wide 6 cm tall. The root structure can float and can grow up to 20 inches in length. |
| Growth Rate | This plant grows fast. They form a mat on the surface of the water once proper set up is provided. |
| Placement | They can be placed in Nano tanks. In aquariums, they can be placed in mid-ground or foreground. |
| Maintenance | In the aquarium, it is difficult to grow but not impossible. A few plants should be removed every week as the tank is cleaned. |
| Planting Methods | This plant can be grown by creating a roped off area for the plant. They should be affixed with a suction cup on either side of the tank under the surface. They grow into a mat under this condition. |
| Ideal Setup | The tank should be larger for this plant to grow. T5 or T8 bulbs are enough for these aquarium plants. If the plants are grown under shade in the stores, they can be maintained in the same condition. If they should be introduced to light, it should be done gradually. |
| Care Level | The care level is medium. |
| Supplements | Fertilizer can be provided for this plant now and then. When proper fertilization is given, they can grow from the seeded green berry. |
| Lighting | Pistia plants can grow in partial or full sun. the growth becomes slower if grown in full shade. |
| Water temperature | The water temperature could range from 22- 30 degrees Celsius. This plant cannot bear frost conditions. The pH could be 6.5 to 7. |
| Propogation | Propagation is done with seeds. The seeds float on the surface of the water. The seeds sink in the water and germinate. The seedling appears in 5 days. They can also be propagated through the stolons. |
| Approx. Cost | They cost approximately $9.95. |
| Common Diseases | This plant does not have any pest issues or any serious disease. Hence no special care is needed for this plant. |
| What to look for when buying | Know how the plants are grown. If they are grown in shade, it is better to grow under the same condition. |
| Related Specifies | – |
| FAQs | – |
