Watermeal care guide
Watermeal (Wolffia arrhiza) — medium light, 18-28 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Watermeal (Wolffia arrhiza) 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. Smallest flowering plant in the world — tiny green grains floating at the surface. Multiplies very fast and can be a nutritious live food for many fish, but tricky to remove once established.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Wolffia
- Scientific name: Wolffia arrhiza
- Common synonyms: Mosquito Fern
Habitat
Wolffia is a genus of the smallest flowering plants on Earth (Araceae, duckweed subfamily), rootless floating grains found on still fresh waters worldwide. 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: 1 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A microscopic floating plant that forms a fine green film on the surface; used mainly for nutrient export and as live food. 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 almost entirely by budding, with each grain splitting to form a new plant; populations grow extremely fast. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
The tiny fronds are very hard to remove once spread and can fully cover the surface, blocking light; frequent skimming is required.