Quick summary

piddle lettuce ( Pistia stratiotes ) , a loose - float aquatic plant , adds beauty and ecological value towater gardensand marine museum . Its unique , squashy leave create averdant carpeton the water ’s surface , provide shelter for aquatic puppet and filtering impurity . Planting piddle simoleons is a simple yet rewarding labor that can translate your water feature into a flourish ecosystem .

Choosing the Right Location

Water lettuce thrives in warm , sunny environments with behind - moving or still water . It prefers shallow waters , with depth stray from 6 to 12 inch . Avoid areas with strong currents ordirect sunlightas they can damage the delicate leaves .

Preparing the Water

piss lettuce can tolerate awide rangeofwater conditionsbutprefers slimly acidicto impersonal water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 . If your water supply is too alkaline or acidulent , align it gradually using pH adjusters .

Selecting Healthy Plants

Choose sizeable piddle boodle plants withvibrant green leavesand no sign of damage . Avoid plants with yellow orwilted leavesor dark-brown spots .

Planting Water Lettuce

1 . Gently place the works on the water ’s aerofoil : Do not deluge the plants.2 . Space the plants apart : Allow 6 to 12 inches between each works to prevent overcrowding.3 . Secure the industrial plant ( optional ): If desired , you could use stakes or lock to keep the plant in place , specially in orbit with mild currents .

Care and Maintenance

Water : Water lettucedoes notrequire extra watering , as itabsorbs nutrients directlyfrom the water . sunshine : Provide 6 to 8 60 minutes of sun per twenty-four hours for optimal growth . plant food : pee lettucecan benefit fromoccasional fertilizationwith a balanced liquid fertilizer . Pruning : bump off any idle ordamaged leavesto raise goodish growth . Harvesting : Water lettucecan be harvested as needed for use of goods and services in fish tank or as anatural filterin pool .

Benefits of Water Lettuce

Troubleshooting

Yellowing leaves : This can indicatenutrient deficiencyorexcessive sunlight . Fertilize the plants occasionally and provide enough shade . chocolate-brown spots : Brown position on the leaves can be a sign of disease or impairment . take away affected foliage and supervise the plant for any further issues . wilt : Wilting leaves can indicatewater stressorroot scathe . Ensure thewater levelis adequate and check the base for any damage .

Final Thoughts

Planting water cabbage is an easy and rewarding way to add smasher and functionality to your piss garden or fish tank . By fall out thesesimple steps , you’re able to create athriving aquatic ecosystemthat will provide legion benefit for youraquatic inhabitants . So , float your garden and enjoy the marvel of this various plant .

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q : Canwater lettuce growin deep water?A : No , water system boodle choose shallow waterswithdepths rangingfrom 6 to 12 inches . Q : How often should I fertilize water lettuce?A : Fertilize piddle lettuce now and again , about once a month during the raise season . Q : Canwater lettuce growout of water?A : No , water lettuceis anaquatic plantand can not survive out of water . Q : Iswater lettuce toxicto fish?A : No , H2O lettuceis non - toxic to fish and other aquatic brute . Q : How do Iremove water lettucefrom my pond?A : employ a nett or take up toremove H2O lettucefrom your pool . Be sure to remove all of the root to prevent regrowth .