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 a 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Water Lettuce is adapted to wet or boggy ground. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Water Lettuce after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is high maintenance.
Using Water Lettuce in the garden
Water Lettuce earns its place for a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same wet or boggy ground and tropical climate as Water Lettuce. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
