Greater Duckweed care guide
Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) — medium light, 18-28 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is an aquatic plant of the family Araceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Larger relative of common duckweed with multiple roots per frond and reddish underside. Excellent shade and nutrient export plant; can dominate a surface quickly.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Spirodela
- Scientific name: Spirodela polyrhiza
- Common synonyms: Giant Duckweed
Habitat
Spirodela is a genus of free-floating plants (Araceae, duckweed subfamily) of still fresh waters worldwide; its rounded fronds are larger than Lemna and bear several roots each. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cosmopolitan.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 3-16 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 3 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A floating plant that forms a surface layer, providing shade and absorbing excess nutrients from the water column. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Reproduces by budding, with daughter fronds separating from the parent; it can also form dormant turions that overwinter on the bottom. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
Rapid surface coverage shades plants below and impedes gas exchange; surplus growth must be skimmed off regularly.