Floating frogbit: hardy aquatic plant for ponds and trash ponds
What is Floating frogbit?
Floating frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is an American native plant, unique among floating plants. Its round leaves range from light green to reddish-brown and float on the surface, while long roots hang in the water.
In summer, it thrives outdoors without issue and is ideal for trash ponds or basins. It reproduces naturally by stolons, forming new rosettes throughout the season.
A perfect floating plant for natural ponds and aquariums that loves summer outdoors, though it does not survive winter except in the south.
Why choose Floating frogbit?
- Floating, it requires no substrate and feeds from the water, which it purifies effectively
- Its long roots dive deep, forming a small aquatic jungle
- Covers the surface moderately and controllably. Light is filtered, not blocked
- Provides habitat for aquatic fauna among its long roots, and terrestrial fauna on its leaves
- Very easy plant if kept indoors during winter
How to grow floating frogbit?
Simply place the plant on the water surface, where it will send its roots vertically downwards.
- 🏞️ Suitable for ponds, basins, trash ponds, as well as aquariums over 60 liters
- 🌡️ Prefers warm, gently circulated water
- 💧 Ideal for low-tech aquariums without filters
- 🐌 Compatible with ostracods, daphnia, water lice, snails
- 🐸 Can establish itself long-term without special care
FAQ - Floating frogbit
Does it survive the winter?
Yes, it is hardy in the south and survives cold in mild climates. Otherwise, just bring a few plants indoors during winter to restart in spring!
How does it float with such large roots?
Floating frogbit has a unique leaf structure: the underside is spongy and made up of many air-filled cavities. Impossible to sink!
Is it invasive?
No, its growth is moderate and very easy to control.
Can it be kept with fish?
Of course. It coexists well with fish, which can take refuge under its leaves without being seen.
Is it better than water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)?
Pistia is now strictly banned from sale and possession. Floating frogbit is a very good alternative, with the same advantages as Pistia.
Can it be kept in an aquarium?
Yes, provided the water depth reaches at least 40 cm, as the roots grow long and form a "vine jungle." In a large aquarium, it would really be a shame to miss out on it.
Additional information
Scientific name: Limnobium laevigatum
Plant type: floating purifier and filtering plant
Packaging: one rooted plant (approximate weight: 12 g)
Guarantee: plants grown without any artificial inputs. No fertilizer, algicide, or antibiotic.
Recommendation: as a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild. It is not native to our regions, should normally not naturalize, but we must protect our ecosystems.
