Floating frogbit: hardy aquatic plant for ponds and tub ponds
What is floating frogbit?
Floating frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is a plant of American origin, unique among floating plants. Its round leaves, ranging from light green to reddish brown, float on the surface, while long roots hang down into the water.
In summer, it thrives outdoors and is ideal for tub ponds or ponds. It reproduces naturally through stolons, forming new rosettes throughout the season.
A perfect floating plant for ponds and natural aquariums that enjoys summer outdoors, even though it does not survive winter except in the south.
Why choose floating frogbit?
- As a floating plant, it requires no substrate and feeds from the water, which it effectively purifies
- Its long roots reach deep into the water, forming a small aquatic jungle
- It covers the surface moderately and controllably. Light is filtered, not blocked
- It provides shelter for aquatic life among its long roots and for terrestrial life on its leaves
- A very easy plant to grow as long as it is protected from outdoor winter conditions
How do you grow floating frogbit?
Simply place the plant on the water's surface, where it will send its roots straight down.
- 🏞️ Suitable for ponds, basins, tub ponds, as well as aquariums larger than 60 liters
- 🌡️ Prefers warm, gently circulated water
- 💧 Ideal for low-tech aquarium keeping without a filter
- 🐌 Compatible with ostracods, daphnia, water lice, and snails
- 🐸 Can become established long-term without any special maintenance
FAQ - Floating frogbit
Will it survive the winter?
Yes, it is hardy in the south and survives cold weather in mild climates. Otherwise, simply bring a few plants indoors for the winter and start again 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 countless air-filled cavities. It is 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 shelter beneath its leaves without being seen.
Is it better than water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)?
Water lettuce is now strictly prohibited for sale and possession. Floating frogbit is an excellent alternative, with the same benefits as water lettuce.
Can it be kept in an aquarium?
Yes, provided the water is at least 40 cm deep, because the roots grow long and form a "vine jungle." In a large aquarium, it would truly be a shame to go without it.
Additional information
Scientific name: Limnobium laevigatum
Plant type: purifying and light-filtering floating plant
Packaging: one rooted plant (indicative weight: 12 g)
Guarantee: plants grown without any artificial inputs. No fertilizer, algaecide, or antibiotic.
Recommendation: As a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild. It is not native to our regions and should not normally become naturalized, but we must protect our ecosystems.
