Page 375 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

FLOATING PLANTS 373

Lemna species Stratiotes aloides Pistia stratiotes
Duckweed Water Soldier Water Lettuce

ORIGINS Found throughout the world, in both temperate ORIGINS Occurs naturally in parts of Europe and as far ORIGINS Originally from Florida and the Gulf Coast of
and tropical regions outside polar areas. east as northwest Asia. the US; now present in warmer areas worldwide.
SIZE Tiny leaves measure about ⁄3 in (0.8 cm) across. SIZE Can reach up to 20 in (50 cm) in height. SIZE Can reach 6–12 in (15–30 cm) in height.
1
WATER Grows well in any depth of water, but prefers WATER Prefers hard water with little or no movement, WATER Prefers still water and a sunny location.
relatively little movement. Hardy to –30°F (–34°C). and a sunny location. Hardy to –20°F (29°C). Minimum temperature 50°F (10°C).
PROPAGATION Simply split off a few pieces from a mat, PROPAGATION Detach winter buds, or remove young PROPAGATION Separate young plantlets from large
and these will soon start to replicate. plantlets in spring. plants. Water lettuce may occasionally set seed.
This plant is seen only on the surface in summer,
when it produces white flowers on short stems.
Distinct male and female plants do occur, but Water
Soldier usually reproduces by division, rather than
by seeding. The calcium carbonate it absorbs from
its hard-water surroundings causes it to sink to the
bottom in winter, where it throws out side shoots
called turions. These produce new plants in spring.

Duckweed is often accidentally introduced into a The green, velvety leaves of Water Lettuce grow
pond with other plants. Once present, it spreads in the form of a rosette above the water’s surface,
rapidly, providing cover for fish and even food for while its long, feathery roots, measuring up to
some species. Scoop it out with a net if it threatens 18 in (45 cm) long, provide valuable breeding sites
to form a suffocating mat over the entire pond. and cover for fish. The small, whitish flowers are
You can restrict its spread by using a fountain to easily overlooked. Water Lettuce is sensitive to
create surface movement. Duckweed does not cold temperatures and so must be brought inside
compete well with other floating plants or lilies. if it is to survive the winter in temperate areas.

Orontium aquaticum
Golden Club

ORIGINS Occurs naturally in eastern parts of Canada
and the US.
SIZE Spread is 24–30 in (60 –75 cm).
WATER Start off in a shallow, sunny position; can later
be moved to deeper water. Hardy to –10°F (–23°C).
PROPAGATION Divide mature plants in spring or fall,
or sow seeds during summer.
The versatile Golden Club can be cultivated either
as a floating plant or as a marginal in shallow water
around the edge of the pond, where it will look
particularly attractive against waterside irises and
primulas in early summer. The appearance
of Golden Club varies accordingly, with the lance-
like leaves measuring about 18 in (45 cm) in the
shallows but rarely exceeding 12 in (30 cm) when
floating in deeper water. The leaves are mid-green
above and often purplish beneath. Golden Club
blooms from late spring to midsummer, producing
unusual blooms that are white at the base and
yellow toward their tips. Golden Club is hardy
in temperate areas and capable of forming large
clumps. Plant the rhizomes of Golden Club in
deep containers, since this species develops a large
root system. Do not allow plants to root by
themselves, because it is difficult to move clumps
successfully once they have become established.

US_372-373_Floating_Plants.indd 373 29/08/18 4:11 PM