Star Duckweed care guide
Star Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) — low light, 18-26 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Star Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) is an aquatic plant of the family Araceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Submerged duckweed forming chains of small star-shaped fronds. Less invasive than Lemna minor and grows under the surface; useful for shrimp and fry tanks as cover and biofilm host.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Lemna
- Scientific name: Lemna trisulca
Habitat
Lemna is a genus of minute free-floating plants (Araceae, duckweed subfamily) of still and slow fresh waters worldwide; each plant is a tiny flat frond with one or more dangling roots. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cosmopolitan.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 3-16 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 2 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A floating plant that quickly carpets the surface, shading the water column and stripping excess nutrients. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Reproduces by budding, with daughter fronds splitting off the parent; under good conditions the population can double within days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
Explosive growth blocks light and gas exchange and is hard to remove once established; regular skimming keeps the surface open.