How to Grow and Care for Water lettuce

Water lettuce, also known as Nile cabbage, Water cabbage, Tropical duckweed, Shellflower

Water lettuce thrives in aquatic environments, making its care relatively straightforward for water garden enthusiasts. Key care points for water lettuce include ensuring abundant sunlight and maintaining warm temperatures, as it is a tropical plant. Special care should be given to controlling its growth, as water lettuce can spread quickly and become invasive in favorable conditions. Regularly removing excess plants is paramount to prevent overcrowding and to maintain the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Water lettuce

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial, Annual
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Late spring, Early summer
Hardiness Zones	8-10

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More General Info About Water lettuce

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Quickly Identify Water lettuce

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Water lettuce is a unique aquatic plant with a distinctive growth pattern, characterized by its presence on the water surface like a floatation device. Its foliage forms a dense rosette pattern, with leaves that are equipped with thick, spongy tissue and prominent, deeply etched veins, providing an easily recognizable texture. Individual leaves can fan out to about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, and the entire rosette can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) across. Hanging beneath these rosettes, the plant displays a set of feathery roots, which are visually striking as they dangle freely into the water. These roots can extend several inches below the water's surface, further enhancing water lettuce's distinct profile in its aquatic habitat.