Water Plantain
alisma plantago-aquatica
Also known as: ["Marsh Plantain","Water Plantain"]
Overview
A perennial aquatic or marsh herb with lance-shaped leaves and small white or pinkish flowers arranged in a raceme.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Genus: | Alisma |
| Botanical Name: | Alisma plantago-aquatica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: Wetland gardens, pond margins, or containers kept in standing water
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: Not required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with high organic matter; water-retentive but well-draining.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Avoid harsh afternoon sun; provide dappled light in hot climates; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering daily if necessary to maintain saturation
Maintain high soil moisture; water thoroughly but allow slight drying between sessions; adjust for seasonal changes.
Soil
Rich, loamy soil that remains waterlogged
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil stays moist; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced aquatic plant fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings or divide rhizomes.
- Prepare medium.
- Plant and keep moist.
- Monitor for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Moist, well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, moist soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; remove yellowing or dead leaves; shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain health and appearance; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead foliage; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until soil is saturated; ensure excess drains away; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist; water daily in warm weather, reduce frequency in cool periods; avoid waterlogging in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for moisture retention; mix in perlite for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Protect from frost; move to a warmer location; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Alisma plantago-aquatica may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms due to the plant's low-level toxic compounds. The roots and leaves are the most toxic parts for felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Alisma plantago-aquatica by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of low levels of toxic compounds. The roots and leaves are the most problematic parts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicAlisma plantago-aquatica contains small amounts of toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large quantities. The plant's roots and leaves are the primary toxic parts, though the toxicity is generally mild.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Water Plantain suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it requires aquatic or semi-aquatic conditions and is best suited for outdoor water gardens or ponds.
Q: Does Water Plantain have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic properties, though modern use is limited.
Q: How often should Water Plantain be watered?
A: It thrives in consistently moist to submerged conditions, so it should not be allowed to dry out.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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