Pistia Stratiotes (Water Lettuce) – A Soft, Lush Floating Plant for Your Pond or Water Garden

Add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your pond with Pistia Stratiotes, commonly known as Water Lettuce. This aquatic plant features soft, lettuce-shaped leaves that are gently hairy, giving it a delicate, floating appearance. Its charming rosettes of green leaves not only enhance the aesthetics of your pond but also provide important shelter for small fish, thanks to its fine roots. Water Lettuce spreads by sending out runners, forming young plants that create a fuller, more vibrant pond display.

Though not hardy and sensitive to cold, Water Lettuce thrives in warm, sheltered ponds where it can enjoy full sun to part shade. From July to August, you may even see small flowers, adding a subtle layer of beauty to its foliage. Because Pistia Stratiotes cannot survive frost, it’s important to remove decaying plants and take steps to overwinter it if desired.

Key Features:

• Blooming Period: July to August
• Flower Color: Small, delicate flowers
• Growth Rate: Medium
• Sun/Shade: Full sun to part shade
• Season: Summer
• Cover for Fish: Fine roots offer shelter for small fish.

Planting & Care Instructions: For optimal growth, plant 2-3 large floating Water Lettuce plants per 1m². Water Lettuce does best in sheltered pools, in shallow water with soil at the base of the container. As it is not hardy, remove decaying plants after the first frost. To overwinter, keep the plants in moderate light and ensure the temperature stays above 15°C, ideally in a warm location.

Size:

• Height: 10-30 cm
• Spread: 10-20 cm

Water Lettuce is a stunning addition to any pond, providing lush greenery, natural beauty, and a safe haven for small fish. Keep it in a warm, sheltered environment, and enjoy its elegance through the summer months.