Pistia stratiotes
water lettuce
A decorative floating aquatic, which can be used to dress an outside pool during the summer, then kept in an indoor aquarium when the temperatures start to drop. It has fabulous evergreen foliage, and pretty roots, which change colour from white to purple, then black as they mature.
In tropical regions (where it originates from), it can be invasive, but here in the UK, the lower temperatures and colder winters prevent it from becoming a nuisance.
In tropical regions (where it originates from), it can be invasive, but here in the UK, the lower temperatures and colder winters prevent it from becoming a nuisance.
How to care for Pistia stratiotes:
Water lettuce thrives in warm, still water and prefers full sun to partial shade. In the UK, Pistia stratiotes can’t survive outdoors year-round, so it’s best grown in heated ponds, aquariums, or indoor water features where temperatures stay around 21-29°C (70-85°F). In cooler months, it needs to be kept in a heated tank or greenhouse to prevent chilling, as temperatures below 16°C (61°F) will slow growth or cause damage. Provide a nutrient-rich aquatic environment, but avoid overcrowding, as it can shade itself and stunt growth.
Remove any yellowing or decaying leaves regularly to prevent water fouling. If grown in a container pond, top up with water as it evaporates and consider adding liquid fertiliser for aquatic plants every few weeks during the growing season.
Remove any yellowing or decaying leaves regularly to prevent water fouling. If grown in a container pond, top up with water as it evaporates and consider adding liquid fertiliser for aquatic plants every few weeks during the growing season.
Eventual height:
0.1m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Aquatic
Hardiness:
Frost tender
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This pond plant is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin/eye irritant
5 × plants
£24.99
£5.00 each
available to order from summer
Unavailable
10 + 5 FREE
£49.98
£3.33 each
available to order from summer
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20 + 10 FREE
£91.96
£3.07 each
available to order from summer
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