Smallpondweed

potamogeton pusillus

Also known as: ["Champney grass","Slender pondweed"]

Family: Potamogetonaceae Genus: Potamogeton Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A submerged aquatic plant with slender, linear leaves and small flowers, typically found in freshwater habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Potamogetonaceae
Genus: Potamogeton
Botanical Name: Potamogeton pusillus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: still or slow-moving freshwater bodies
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"4–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–10"}
  • Misting: not applicable
  • Drainage: Well-draining with constant water coverage.
  • Soil Type: Aquatic planting substrate or fine gravel mixed with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing damaged or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with tolerance for deeper water shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to deeper water gradually; avoid placement in stagnant, shaded areas; ensure some direct light exposure.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or browning leaves, foul water odor, or stunted growth indicate poor conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate placement for even growth; avoid dense shade; monitor for etiolation.

Watering

continuously submerged in water

Ensure consistent submersion; avoid stagnant water; monitor water clarity.

Soil

not applicable (aquatic)

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.5.

Avoid heavy clay; maintain water circulation; replenish nutrients regularly.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, 10–25°C (50–77°F); prefers cooler water in summer.

Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations; maintain stable water conditions; monitor for stress signs.

Fertilizing

not required

Fertilize in early morning or late evening; use a balanced aquatic plant formula; flush substrate occasionally.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stems.
  2. Cut below nodes.
  3. Place in water or substrate.
  4. Maintain water level.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with gentle water flow.

Medium

Aquatic planting substrate or fine gravel with water coverage.

Hormone

Not typically required; rooting occurs naturally in water.

Timeline

2–4 weeks for roots to develop; 1–2 months to establish.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, planting trowel, water container.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools to prevent disease; ensure nodes are submerged; change water weekly.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above nodes; trim decaying leaves at the base.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or decaying leaves to maintain water quality and aesthetics.

Tools

Sharp scissors, pruning shears.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer during active growth.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 cm in diameter.

Method

Gently lift plant; trim roots if necessary; replant in fresh aquatic substrate.

Suggestions

Repot if the plant outgrows its container or substrate becomes compacted.

Checklist

Prepare new substrate; trim roots if needed; ensure proper water level post-repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check water level daily; ensure no sediment buildup; observe plant health.

How to Apply Water Properly

Maintain water level above the crown; ensure gentle flow to prevent sedimentation; use dechlorinated water if possible.

Pro Tip: Use rainwater or let tap water sit for 24 hours to dechlorinate.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water as needed to maintain submerged conditions; adjust for evaporation rates in warmer months.

Soil Improvement

Add aquatic plant fertilizer tabs; use peat moss for acidity; ensure fine gravel for root anchorage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Slows metabolic processes; may cause dormancy or leaf drop in prolonged cold.

Solution: Maintain stable water temperature; use a water heater if necessary; avoid drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or develop necrotic spots; growth may cease.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; ensure water circulation; mist foliage if needed.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer concentration; apply to water column; observe for nutrient burn.

Fertilizing Method

Use liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Potamogeton pusillus can indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or manganese, or may result from environmental stress such as poor water quality or insufficient light.

Wilting in Potamogeton pusillus is typically a sign of water stress, often due to inadequate water levels or excessive water movement disrupting the plant's ability to absorb nutrients.

Leaf spots on Potamogeton pusillus are commonly caused by fungal pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss if the infection is severe.

Rotting in Potamogeton pusillus is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections, often exacerbated by stagnant water conditions or physical damage to the plant tissues.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Potamogeton pusillus is not toxic to cats. This submerged aquatic plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines upon ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Cats can safely encounter this plant in water without risk of toxicity.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Potamogeton pusillus is not toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in this plant that would cause harm to canines if ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Dogs can safely swim or interact with this plant in aquatic environments without risk of poisoning.
Humans
Non-toxic

Potamogeton pusillus, commonly known as slender pondweed, is not considered toxic to humans. It is a submerged aquatic plant with no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is not recommended for human consumption as it is not a food source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Potamogeton pusillus suitable for aquariums?

A: Yes, it is commonly used in aquariums due to its ability to thrive in submerged conditions.

Q: Does Potamogeton pusillus require special care?

A: It prefers still or slow-moving freshwater and benefits from moderate light and nutrient-rich substrates.

Q: Can Potamogeton pusillus be invasive?

A: It is not typically considered invasive, but it can spread in favorable conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Potamogetonaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: continuously submerged in wate
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Curled Pondweed
View
Long-stalked Pondweed
View
Narrowleaf Pondweed
View
Floating Pondweed
View