Pistia stratiotes
Water Cabbage
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Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Description
Pistia is a genus of aquatic plant in the arum family, Araceae. The single species it comprises, Pistia stratiotes, is often called water cabbage, water lettuce, Nile cabbage, or shellflower. Its native distribution is uncertain, but probably pantropical; it was first discovered from the Nile near Lake Victoria in Africa. It is now present, either naturally or through human introduction, in nearly all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways. The genus name is derived from the Greek word πιστός (pistos), meaning "water," and refers to the aquatic nature of the plants.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Blooming
Inconspicuous, tubular flowers are borne sporadically throughout the year. Foliage is arranged in rosettes floating on the surface of the water. The roots of Pistia are feathery, and change colors with maturity, from white to purple and then black.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Growth
Often fast-growing evergreen floating perennials that spread from their stolons. Outdoors, grow as a floating aquatic in full sun with some midday shade. Overwinter indoors if temperatures drop below 50F. Alternatively, grow indoors in a water bath with temperatures between 59 and 72F. Pistia works well as as floating plant for a sunny pool or aquarium.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Planting
Water Lettuce propagates asexually with plantlets, which can be separated in summer or early fall.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Pest
Aphids.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Interesting facts
Pistia is considered a weed in the United States, where it often clogs waterways. Clumps of Pistia can also kill fish by blocking circulating oxygen. Moreover, they block light and are thus harmful to aquatic plants that rely on light for energy acquisition.
Water Cabbage (Pistia stratiotes) - Soil and irrigation
Grows in the water, so not much in the way of irrigation is needed.
