Lemna minor (Duckweed)

Technical Sheet: Lemna minor (Duckweed)

Common name: Duckweed
Scientific name: Lemna minor
Family: Araceae

Description

Lemna minor is a tiny floating plant that forms dense green mats on the water surface. Its small size and fast growth make it perfect for aquariums, paludariums, and ponds. It’s easy to care for and adapts to different light and temperature conditions, as long as the water is clean and oxygenated.

Benefits

• Natural water purifier: Absorbs nutrients and waste, helping prevent algae growth.
• Natural food source: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates can feed on it.
• Light and temperature regulation: Covers the water surface, reducing evaporation and protecting aquatic life from excessive sunlight.
• Fast growth and reproduction: Easy to maintain and quickly regenerates.

Main Uses

• Floating plant for paludariums, aquariums, and ponds.
• Decorative or educational aquatic ecosystems.
• Natural live food for fish, shrimp, frogs, and other aquatic animals.
• Projects for natural water purification and balance.

Basic Care

• Light: Prefers indirect to moderate light; grows faster under bright light.
• Water: Keep clean; neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Temperature: 15–30 °C.
• Propagation: Reproduces rapidly; just let it float on the water surface.