Least duckweed
lemna minuta
Also known as: ["Dwarf duckweed","Small duckweed"]
Overview
A tiny, free-floating aquatic plant with simple oval leaves that form dense mats on still water surfaces.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Lemna |
| Botanical Name: | Lemna minuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: still or slow-moving freshwater ponds, lakes, or aquariums
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, naturally grows in water
- Drainage: Not applicable; thrives in still or slow-moving water.
- Soil Type: Not applicable; grows in water or very moist substrate.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically light pruning every few weeks.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; selective removal of unhealthy fronds.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, but prefers some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; avoid sudden exposure to strong midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate container-grown plants for even growth.
Watering
daily in extreme heat, otherwise as needed to maintain water level
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water more frequently in warm, dry conditions; reduce watering in cool, damp periods.
Soil
not applicable, grows floating on water
pH: Not applicable; tolerates a wide pH range in water.
Ensure water is clean and nutrient-rich; avoid stagnant or polluted water.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (20–30°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable conditions above 10°C.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain stable warmth for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
not required, thrives in nutrient-rich water
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during growing season only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Vegetative propagation via division or fragmentation; easily spreads through natural division of fronds.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate small fronds or allow natural fragmentation.
- Place in water or moist soil.
- Monitor for growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light.
Medium
Water or moist soil; no special medium required.
Hormone
Not necessary; natural rooting occurs readily.
Timeline
Fronds begin to divide and spread within days to weeks.
Tools Needed
Fine-tipped tweezers, small container for water propagation.
Quick Tips
Allow natural division to occur; ensure water remains clean if using water propagation; provide bright light.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gentle hand-picking or snipping with fine scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance.
Tools
Fine scissors, tweezers.
Checklist
Remove dead fronds; avoid over-pruning; maintain natural growth habit.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable; grows best when undisturbed.
Pot Size
Not applicable.
Method
Not applicable; focus on maintaining water quality if grown in water.
Suggestions
Not typically required; thrives when allowed to spread naturally.
Checklist
Not applicable.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water lightly if surface feels dry; ensure no waterlogging.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water gently at the soil surface to avoid dislodging the tiny plants; ensure even moisture distribution without pooling; allow excess water to drain if grown in containers.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water daily or as needed to maintain consistently moist soil; adjust frequency based on temperature and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Not applicable; focus on maintaining clean water or moist substrate.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning in cold stress; yellowing leaves in temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts below 10°C; prolonged cold can cause tissue damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat for container-grown plants; protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Plants may wilt or scorch in prolonged heat above 35°C; growth may become stressed or停滞.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently to cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 2–4 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLemna minuta is not toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to felines when ingested in normal amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLemna minuta is not toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLemna minuta, commonly known as small duckweed, is not considered toxic to humans. It is a small, free-floating aquatic plant that is generally safe for human contact and consumption in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Least duckweed harmful to pets?
A: There is no reliable information on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Least duckweed reproduce?
A: It reproduces asexually by budding new plants from the parent plant.
Q: Can Least duckweed be used in aquariums?
A: Yes, it can be used in aquariums to provide cover for small fish and to absorb excess nutrients.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | daily in extreme heat, otherwi |
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