How to Care for Spirodela polyrhiza (Greater Duckweed)

Korean name: 개구리밥

Greater Duckweed is a small floating aquatic plant with round, flat green leaves that have a yellowish tint. Several roots hang from the underside of the leaves, growing underwater. It is popular for water purification and aquarium use, and is very easy to maintain.

Key facts

• Category: Aquatic plant
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to keep: indoors or outdoors
• Native to: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
• Growth rate: Fast
• Pets: Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.
• Traits: beginner-friendly, aquatic plant, floating plant, water purification
• Also known as: Greater Duckweed, Common Duckweed

Care Guide

• Light: Grows well in partial shade with some direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the water surface consistently covered with sufficient water.
• Soil: Keep floating on water rather than in soil.
• Humidity: Prefers a humid environment.
• Temperature: 18~27°C is suitable.
• Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer moderately during the growing season.

Common questions

How often should you water Spirodela polyrhiza?

Keep the water surface consistently covered with sufficient water. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Spirodela polyrhiza?

It likes Grows well in partial shade with some direct sunlight.. You can grow it indoors or outdoors. Use Keep floating on water rather than in soil..

Is Spirodela polyrhiza safe around pets?

Mildly toxic, so keep pets from chewing on it.

Is Spirodela polyrhiza good for beginners?

Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around 18~27°C is suitable.. Humidity: Prefers a humid environment.. Fertilise Apply diluted liquid fertilizer moderately during the growing season..