Water Lettuce | Pistia stratiotes
Float yer' greens...
Grown by Caroline
Enfield
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Order before 11pm for delivery within 3-5 working days
Order before 11pm for delivery within 3-5 working days
Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
- Soft, emerald green foliage that resembles little lettuces or roses floating on the water
- No planting necessary - simply place it on the surface of the water
- Fine feathery roots under the water provide the perfect cover for small fish
- Needs a sheltered position in sun or dappled shade
- Tiny white flowers grow in the leaf axils
- A free floating aquatic perennial which is easy to grow and has no known pests or diseases
What to expect
Supplied as
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Water Lettuce is a floating plant and does not require a pot, but it can be kept in any water-filled container with a wide surface area.
How big does it get?
Water Lettuce forms floating rosettes that can each reach 15-20 cm across.
How much sunlight does this need?
Water Lettuce grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Water Lettuce is a floating aquatic plant and does not require soil.
How much watering does this plant need?
Water Lettuce is a floating aquatic plant and does not require watering, but must remain on the water's surface.
Will this plant need pruning?
The Water Lettuce should be cut back to about 5 cm above the soil level in late autumn before temperatures drop below 5°C.
How hardy is this plant?
Pistia stratiotes is tender (H1c), surviving temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, requiring a heated greenhouse or indoor environment over winter in the UK.
The wider garden
Enfield
Meet Caroline
A deep dive into sustainable gardening
Nestled amongst wildlife meadows and resident ducks, Caroline’s award winning pond plant nursery in Enfield has been making a splash since 1965, when they invented the (recycled, obvs) aquatic basket. Sixty years and multiple RHS gold medals later, they’re still surprising us with new varieties every year!
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