Complete scientific guide to growth, care, and ecological benefits
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) floats like a velvet rosette on still waters — a green crown adrift in silence.
In perfect balance, it casts shade for shy fish, turns sunlight into gold, and soothes the surface like nature’s quiet whisper.
Above — the light. Below — the life. And in between, a bridge. A living refuge where water breathes slow.
Water lettuce plays a quiet but vital role in ecosystems. It does not just float — it cleans, cools, and protects. Beneath its soft leaves, microclimates arise: shelters for fry, hiding places for shrimp, and a sleepy refuge for aquatic life.
The plant acts as both a shield and a sponge — absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorus, slowing currents, and filtering water. With its voluminous structure rising above the surface, Pistia forms up to 1 kg of biomass per square meter, making it 10 times more effective than duckweed (Lemna minor), whose mass does not exceed 100 g/m².
In practice, this means that in the same pond area, water lettuce removes ten times more pollutants simply due to its three-dimensional mass.
Duckweed (Lemna minor) forms a dense mat, blocking light and disrupting oxygen balance. It is invasive, rapidly taking over water bodies and potentially causing their collapse.
Water lettuce, in contrast, is never a threat. It is balanced. It does not completely block light, does not displace other species, and is easy to manage.
In recent years, Pistia has become a branded home decoration, especially in bio and Zen-style interiors. It grows easily in small aquariums or water bowls. Particularly popular on bedroom windowsills, where it creates a fresh atmosphere, releases micro-droplets of moisture at night, and naturally regulates humidity.
Its light natural aroma provides a sense of cleanliness, and its biochemical properties repel mosquitoes and small insects, acting gently without chemicals.
Water lettuce is more than a plant — it’s a silent gardener. It purifies water, enriches it with oxygen, and shields aquatic life by absorbing excess nutrients and diffusing harsh light.
In an aquarium, it’s a living filter. In a pond, a breath of balance. Beneath its roots, fry find shelter; above, the water stills and shimmers in silence.
At home, it offers more than beauty: it gently regulates humidity by releasing tiny droplets at night — one of the rare plants that can bring soft, restorative sleep when placed on a bedroom windowsill.
Pistia grows not in haste, but in harmony. Its movement is the quiet breath of water.
Within 1–2 weeks, a single mother plant produces its first offspring — connected by a thin stolon. In good conditions, one plant can generate up to 5 new plants per month.
Pistia grows with intelligence. It multiplies when conditions are right, but never takes over. Its growth reflects the balance of the ecosystem around it.
Pistia is one of the few plants that asks for nothing excessive. It doesn’t demand — it adapts. But subtle care practices help it thrive to its full potential.
Pistia gently tilts toward the light. When it’s insufficient, leaves become pale and elongated — an early visual cue.
Pistia’s roots host whole microbial worlds that aid in organic breakdown and metal absorption.
Pistia rarely gets sick. But stagnant water can cause fungal rot. Look for darkened centers and sinking plants.
If Pistia stops growing, it's often a signal of hidden water issues — toxins, poor flow, or overfeeding. A thriving Pistia = healthy water.
Pistia "speaks" through its leaves. Listen to its shape, color, and pace of growth. It rewards care with balance.
In most aquariums, the only way to reduce nitrate levels is through constant water changes. Standard filters convert ammonia → nitrites → nitrates, but they don’t remove nitrates. Even with perfect filtration, nitrate levels steadily rise.
🌿 Pistia is a living filter that absorbs nitrates directly from the water and stops their accumulation. It does this effectively and consistently — without soil, CO₂, strong light, or any complicated care.
This makes Pistia the only plant proven to consistently and naturally reduce nitrate levels in aquariums, replacing chemical solutions and constant maintenance.
Nitrates are a silent killer in aquariums. They build up from fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying organics, and they:
☠️ In high concentrations, nitrates are deadly not only to fish, but also to humans and animals. They can contaminate drinking water and have been linked to serious health issues including methemoglobinemia and long-term toxicity (Knobeloch et al., 2000; Ward et al., 2005).
🔬 Nitrate Reduction in Aquariums
📊 Scientific Evidence of Effectiveness
❗ Why It Matters
🔹 Can I keep Pistia in an aquarium with a filter and flow?
Yes, but avoid strong currents — they can damage the roots. External filters with downward or sideways flow work best.
🔹 Why are the leaves turning yellow or black?
Possible reasons include low light, excess organic waste, stagnant water, or natural aging. Remove damaged parts — the plant recovers quickly.
🔹 Do I need to fertilize Pistia?
No. In most aquariums, it absorbs nutrients directly from the water. Fertilizers can help in nutrient-poor setups but may cause rot if overused.
🔹 Is Pistia harmful to other plants?
No, as long as it’s kept under control. It doesn’t root in substrate or block all light. Simply manage its amount manually.
🔹 Can I use Pistia in an outdoor pond?
Yes, but only during warm seasons. Below 10°C (50°F), it dies. In sunlight and still water, it grows rapidly outdoors.
🔹 How does it reproduce?
It reproduces on its own. The mother plant sends out runners with daughter rosettes. You can separate and move them easily.
🔹 Do I need CO₂?
No. Pistia doesn’t require any CO₂ injection. It thrives in low-tech, natural environments.
🔹 Can I keep Pistia with goldfish or shrimp?
Yes, but goldfish may nibble on it. With shrimp, it’s perfect — the roots offer shelter and biofilm for feeding.
We are the only supplier in the UK offering Giant and Super-Giant Pistia stratiotes — mature, hand-selected plants with rosettes up to 50 cm wide.
🌿 And there’s more: We provide full care instructions so your Pistia doesn’t just survive — it thrives, purifies, and brings joy.
🪴 Whether in an aquarium, on a windowsill, or as a centerpiece — Pistia brings peace, freshness, and natural design to your space.
🔵 Don’t settle for tissue-culture crumbs. Choose a true giant. Bring the water to life.
