DIFFICULTY Easy

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Moderate

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Fast

High trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Dwarf Water Lettuce

A floating plant with fuzzy, rosette-shaped leaves and long roots.

Dwarf Water Lettuce is a fantastic floating plant for nutrient export. Its long, trailing roots provide excellent cover for fry and shrimp.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable Fry cover
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementFloating
Typical height1–2 in
Typical width4 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height4 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR30–100
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitVery Low
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingVery Low
Water-column feedingVery High
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandLow
MicronutrientsLow
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–15 dGH
KH2–12 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: None

Float on surface.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners

Acclimation

Leaves may melt if wet on top.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Sensitive to condensation on leaves.