Pistia Stratiotes

Pistia Stratiotes, commonly called Water Lettuce, is a free-floating aquatic plant that is commonly used as an ornamental plant in water gardens, ponds and aquariums. Wedge-shaped, soft green leaves sprout from the center in an overlapping pattern and are covered with water-repellent hairs. Similar to other floating plants commonly used in the aquarium hobby, Pistia Stratiotes is quick growing and can easily cover the surface area of a planted aquarium tank if left to self-propagate without maintenance. Regular pruning should be performed to ensure aquarium plants below are not shaded from the lighting source. Sporting long, feathery roots, Pistia Stratiotes works great in helping to absorb excess nutrients in the water column and preventing algae blooms. Smaller fish and shrimp species also tend to find shelter within this plant's root structure.