Duckweed Lemna - Pond Portion 50g
Common Duckweed, Lemna Minor - Surface Floating Plant
Pond portion: Approx. 50 grams
Duckweed is a small aquatic floating plant found around the world. Commonly measuring between 3 to 10mm in length, duckweed floats on the water surface in colonies not attached to the bottom. Duckweed plants have a very fine root hanging from it. Duckweed can have one leaf or up to three leaves, known as fronds, about the size of a pencil rubber, with a single root hair.
The main means of reproduction of duckweed is vegetative, with two daughter plants budding off from the adult plant. It is possible for a new duckweed plant to be produced every 24 hours, even in moderate sunlight outdoors and low-lit aquariums. A small portion is often enough to grow sufficiently to cover your pond or aquarium surface quite quickly.
Water Conditions
Duckweed can tolerate a wide range pH between 4.5 and 8.0 as well as temperatures of 16-30 degrees Celsius.
Our duckweed is grown in low light conditions, in plant-only indoor aquaria of pH ranging from 7.2. to 7.8. Although our habitats are snail free, we do not treat for snails nor offer any guarantee. Our Duckweed is fish, pond, shrimp and snail safe.
How is Duckweed used in Aquariums?
Duckweed has been commonly used in aquariums to provide very effective cover for fish that prefer low-light, such as betta fish and fry, and provides plenty of hiding places for fry. Duckweed is also great for use in shrimp tanks - who will often hang upside down underneath the leave of the duckweed.
Foraging for food amongst the surface weed is also great for slowing down feeding, allowing a community to forage rather than frantically out-compete each other for food.
Duckweed absorbs its nutrients from the water, and will deprive common algae of sunlight, keeping aquarium algae levels low. Duckweed also absorbs nitrate, which can have a beneficial effect too. If nitrate is allowed to build in aquariums to harmful levels it can lead to increased risk of disease and poor water quality.
Is Duckweed good or bad for a pond?
Duckweed can very quickly spread across the surface of your pond which can in theory block sunlight and deny submerged plants vital light and nutrients. However, being an easy and versatile plant to keep, it will out-compete filamentous algae, and can also provide a ready source of shelter and food for fish such as goldfish and koi, being a refuge for water-based insects and larvae.
Skimming off the surface to control duckweed is recommended if it proliferates too wildly. It makes great compost, and also used as a feed for herbivores and can be eaten by certain fish species - please do your research prior to purchase.
Duckweed requires a moderate light source in ponds.
Duckweed does not require feeding or fertilizer.
Best kept outdoors at temperatures of 12-30 degrees celsius.
Freshwater use only. not suitable for marine reef saltwater aquariums.
Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the size, colour, or age of the plants you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding live plants please contact us.