Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis) Care Guide

Classic coldwater elodea with whorled bright-green leaves. Bulletproof oxygenator for unheated and goldfish tanks; tolerates wide pH and hardness ranges.

Overview

Elodea canadensis is an aquatic plant in the family Hydrocharitaceae. Classic coldwater elodea with whorled bright-green leaves. Bulletproof oxygenator for unheated and goldfish tanks; tolerates wide pH and hardness ranges.

Taxonomy

Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Genus: Elodea
Scientific name: Elodea canadensis

Habitat

Native to most of North America, from British Columbia and Nova Scotia south to California and northern Florida, in lime-rich rivers and lakes up to 2,000 m. Naturalised across Europe since the 19th century and considered invasive in several regions.

Growth requirements

Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
Temperature: 10-24 °C
pH: 6-8.5
GH: 4-20 °dGH
Substrate: any (rootless or floating)
Nutrient demand: low
Growth rate: fast
Difficulty: beginner

Placement

Recommended placement: background
Maximum height: 50 cm
Trim every: 14 days

Propagation

In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).