Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a beginner-level aquarium plant. A tiny floating plant that doubles quickly and covers the surface. It shades tanks, removes nutrients and gives fry cover, but it is hard to remove once it spreads.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Lemna minor |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Worldwide |
| Height | Floating, under 0.5 in |
| Light | Low to high |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Placement | Floating |
| Growth rate | Very fast |
| Temperature | 60-86°F |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Propagation | Division |
Quick tips
- Net out extra regularly; it can smother other floaters.
- Keep it away from filters with strong surface agitation.
- Choose it only if you want a dense surface cover.
San Diego water
Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
New to planted tanks? Start with our beginner planted tank guide and the plant fertilizer guide.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi