Pistia stratoites
Water Lettuce
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Water Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - Description
This floating aquatic perennial is distributed worldwide through the tropics and subtropics. It will be an excellent addition to your temperate water garden!
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - 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 Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - 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 Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - Planting
Water Lettuce propagates asexually with plantlets, which can be separated in summer or early fall.
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - Pest
Aphids.
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - 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 Lettuce (Pistia stratoites) - Soil and irrigation
Grows in the water, so not much in the way of irrigation is needed.
