{"product_id":"dwarf-water-lettuce-1","title":"Dwarf Water Lettuce","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Dwarf Water Lettuce\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDwarf Water Lettuce is a beautiful floating aquarium plant prized for its soft velvety leaves, compact rosette shape, and long, delicate root system that trails gracefully beneath the water's surface. Unlike the larger standard Water Lettuce, the dwarf form remains much smaller, making it ideal for nano aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, and aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fast-growing floating plant provides excellent natural cover for fish and shrimp while reducing light intensity, helping shy species feel secure and encouraging natural behaviour. The extensive root system also offers shelter for shrimp, fry, and microfauna, while absorbing excess nutrients to help improve water quality and reduce algae growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDwarf Water Lettuce thrives under moderate to high lighting with gentle surface movement. It prefers calm water, as excessive splashing can keep the leaves wet and lead to deterioration. Under ideal conditions it reproduces rapidly by sending out runners, forming attractive floating colonies across the aquarium surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt pairs perfectly with Bettas, Gouramis, Blue-eye Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras, shrimp, and many other peaceful freshwater species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy to grow, highly beneficial, and visually striking, Dwarf Water Lettuce is one of the best floating plants for creating a natural freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePistia stratiotes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDwarf Water Lettuce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical and subtropical regions worldwide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to High\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCO₂ Required\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–30°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlacement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating on the water surface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, Betta aquariums, breeding tanks, and aquascapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Dwarf Water Lettuce need to be planted?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Dwarf Water Lettuce is a floating plant and should remain on the water surface. Its roots hang freely beneath the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Dwarf Water Lettuce help reduce algae?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It absorbs excess nutrients from the water while shading the aquarium, helping to reduce algae growth when maintained correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Dwarf Water Lettuce safe for shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Its long roots provide excellent shelter and grazing surfaces for shrimp, shrimplets, and fish fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are my Dwarf Water Lettuce leaves turning brown?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is often caused by excessive surface agitation, water splashing onto the leaves, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient lighting. Keeping the leaves dry and providing stable conditions will help maintain healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Dwarf Water Lettuce grow quickly?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Under good lighting and nutrient-rich conditions, it spreads rapidly by producing daughter plants connected by runners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eExcessive surface movement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong currents or splashing can keep the leaves wet, causing them to rot or melt. Calm surface water is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAllowing complete surface coverage\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThin the plants regularly to maintain gas exchange and allow enough light to reach submerged plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow light slows growth and may result in smaller or unhealthy plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNutrient deficiencies\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloating plants obtain nutrients directly from the water column. Regular fertilisation may be beneficial in heavily planted or low-stock aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor airflow above the aquarium\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn tightly covered aquariums, excessive humidity and condensation can damage floating plants. Good ventilation promotes healthier growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":48861238493323,"sku":null,"price":2.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":48861238526091,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/FfSL2nJEb8sK8wcWtOtMoBTKFxoI-E9xVEh4V-0sXY2rW-niRtOwfprRsWZbqa8U4cHgYTdFzBnqWD4s9dnw4mo3v2BivrseHc7MIVGL0XUFeaIMlAVtM7ehPigKKyFzmYz6Kk6P-LIyuxcAvJEOiB7gfR5EPfyT35xPZkSIzlJ3V0OgQwSMrZ4.jpg?v=1786073012","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/dwarf-water-lettuce-1","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}