A free-floating aquatic forming rosettes of soft, velvety pale-green leaves resembling a floating lettuce. A declared weed in Australia and prohibited in several states.
At a glance
- Plant type: Aquatic plant
- Mature size: 15 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: high maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes is an fast-growing aquatic plant in the Araceae family. It reaches around 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce suits tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Water Lettuce does best in clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Water Lettuce is wet or boggy ground. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Water Lettuce after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is high maintenance.
Using Water Lettuce in the garden
Water Lettuce earns its place for a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Water Lettuce with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Water Lettuce
Plant Sale lists Water Lettuce as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.