Duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Duckweed on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Araceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 1 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
About Duckweed
Lemna aequinoctialis, commonly known as Lesser Duckweed, is a tiny free-floating aquatic plant that forms dense green mats on the water's surface. Its minute, bright green, oval fronds are ideal for ponds, aquariums, or any still water body, adding a natural touch and providing shelter for small organisms. It's an excellent choice for quickly covering the water surface and reducing algae growth.
Native range
Cosmopolitan distribution, present almost worldwide.
Care tips
This duckweed thrives in direct to partial sunlight, though it tolerates a wide range of light intensities. It requires no substrate as it floats freely, and its growth is so rapid that it rarely needs additional fertilization. The most common mistake is allowing it to completely cover the water surface, which can deprive other aquatic plants of light and reduce oxygen; regular removal of excess is recommended.
How to save a dying Duckweed
- Warning signs
- Discoloration (yellowish or whitish), drastic reduction in frond size, or disappearance.
- First aid
- Remove sick fronds, check water quality (pH 6-8, low nitrates) and light (bright indirect).
- What kills it
- Contaminated water (chlorine/heavy metals), lack of nutrients, excessive current, or too little light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if healthy fronds remain and you correct the environment. It's very resilient to propagation.