Distribution World wide areas that are tropical
Here a floating plant ideal for exhibition and a joy to grow, A very pretty plant with a rosette of broad topped velvety finish on its pale green leaves. Water lettuce looks very similar to the lettuce we see at the green grocers and when reaching exhibition standard will be nearly the same size.
Thick roots hang down reaching up to a foot in length and are invaluable for the spawning or as a refuse for fry. Under good light runner bearing young plants are produced in profusion.
Ron Forder, our senior plant judge can grow these plants to exhibition standard in weeks.
His recommendation is to have a tall aquaria 300mm square and 450mm (18") tall place matured unwashed gravel in the aquarium bring the water level to a depth where your single (one only) plant has its roots just touching the substrate.
A light is then positioned over the plant but not too close to burn the leaves, as your plant grows in size and the roots grow longer higher the water level.
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