PlantFreshwaterEasy
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Duckweed
Lemna minor
Cosmopolitan tiny floating plant that grows at a rapid, exponential rate. It serves as an excellent natural biological filter by absorbing nitrates, but can quickly cover the water surface and block light if not regularly removed.
- Taxonomy
- Class:LiliopsidaOrder:AlismatalesFamily:AraceaeSubfamily:LemnoideaeGenus:LemnaSpecies:Lemna minor
Share
Check out Duckweed on Atlarium
Water Temperature
5 - 32 °C
pH Value
5 - 8.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Bassa (cresce esponenzialmente con luce alta)
CO2
Nessuna (assorbe carbonio dall'aria atmosferica)
Expected height
0 cm
Expected width
0 cm
GH
4 - 20 dGH
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Lemna minor has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to almost all temperate and tropical regions of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania). It populates stagnant or slow-moving waters such as marshes, ponds, ditches, and calm canals rich in nutrients and organic matter. In the wild, it grows exposed to full sunlight on the water surface.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Belonging to the Araceae family (historically placed in Lemnaceae), it is commonly known as "Duckweed." Genetically, it is an extremely simple and robust plant, possessing one of the highest vegetative reproduction rates in the plant kingdom. It is capable of continuously cloning itself based on nutrient availability in the aquatic medium.
Physical Structure: It is a micro-floating plant consisting of a small, flat, oval frond, 1 to 4 mm long, with a single, unbranched, thread-like root hanging vertically in the water to absorb nutrients and act as a stabilizer.
Color & Texture: The surface of the fronds exhibits a bright green, vibrant, and matte color. The texture is soft and dense on the water surface, forming a continuous, uniform carpet that shades out sunlight and reduces water evaporation.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Tolerates light levels from very low to extremely intense, growing proportionally to light intensity. It does not require any CO2 injection in the aquarium, as it absorbs carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.
Nutrition & Substrate: Does not require any substrate. It greedily absorbs macroelements (nitrates and phosphates) directly from the water column through its hanging root, acting as an extremely efficient natural biological filter.
Water Chemistry: It is an incredibly resilient plant that survives in temperatures ranging from 5 to 32°C (41-90°F). It adapts to pH levels between 5.0 and 8.5 and tolerates very high levels of organic pollutants in the water.
Space Management & Placement: Located exclusively on the water surface. It can be used to shade light in tanks dedicated to shy or shade-loving fish (such as Betta or Gourami species). It must be managed regularly to prevent it from covering the entire surface.
Pruning: Does not require pruning in the traditional sense. Maintenance consists of regularly harvesting and discarding large portions of the plant with a fine net (up to 80-90% of the surface) to prevent a total block of light and gas exchange.
Risks & Diseases: The only natural enemy in the aquarium is strong surface current or water movement generated by the filter: if the leaves are constantly submerged or splashed on their top surface, the plant tends to yellow, rot, and melt.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Lemna minor has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to almost all temperate and tropical regions of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania). It populates stagnant or slow-moving waters such as marshes, ponds, ditches, and calm canals rich in nutrients and organic matter. In the wild, it grows exposed to full sunlight on the water surface.
Origin
Cosmopolitan or introduced
Plant profile
- Placement
- Floating
- This plant is strictly a floating plant that covers the water surface. It naturally spreads across the top, providing shade for the aquarium below. It can be corralled using floating rings to prevent it from covering the entire surface.
- Botanical form
- Floating
- It features small, simple fronds that float flat on the water surface. Thin, trailing roots hang down into the water column to absorb nutrients. The plant reproduces primarily through vegetative budding.
- Growth
- VERY_FAST
- The growth rate of Lemna minor is extremely fast and often explosive under good lighting. It doubles its biomass in just a few days if nutrients are abundant. Its rapid multiplication requires frequent culling to avoid light blockage.
- Substrate
- None
- Lemna minor, commonly known as duckweed, is a small floating plant that completely bypasses the need for any substrate. Its tiny, single roots hang freely downward into the water column, efficiently extracting all necessary dissolved nutrients. Because it thrives entirely on the surface, the depth and type of substrate in the aquarium have no impact on its vigorous growth and propagation.
- Column fertilization
- Recommended
- Liquid column fertilization is highly beneficial as it has no substrate roots. It responds quickly to added macronutrients and micronutrients in the water. Over-fertilization can lead to uncontrollable and rapid surface overgrowth.
- Root fertilization
- None
- Root tabs or substrate fertilizers are completely unnecessary for this plant. All of its nutritional needs are met through its floating roots. It has no connection to the aquarium substrate.
- Trimming
- Regular
- Trimming involves simply netting out excess portions from the surface. It is important to remove a significant amount weekly to maintain light penetration. Ensure no tiny pieces are left if you wish to eradicate it completely.
- Propagation
- Division
- Propagation occurs naturally and rapidly through continuous division. A single small frond will split into multiple new plants. You simply need to leave a few pieces in the tank to maintain the population.
- Sensitivity
- LOW
- It is relatively tough but sensitive to strong surface agitation. High water flow can push the plant underwater and cause it to rot. It also dislikes condensation dripping from tight aquarium lids.
- Layout role
- Floating
- Its primary role is as a floating shade plant and nutrient exporter. It helps calm skittish fish by providing overhead cover and dimming bright lights. However, it can obscure lower plants if not carefully managed.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
