Floating frogbit: hardy aquatic plant for basins and trashcan aquariums
What is the Floating frogbit?
The 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 in the water.
In summer, it lives outdoors without problem and is ideal in trashcan aquariums or basins. It reproduces naturally by stolons, forming new rosettes throughout the season.
A perfect floating plant for natural basins and aquariums that loves summer outdoors, even if it does not survive winter except in southern Europe.
Why choose the Floating frogbit?
- Floating, it requires no substrate and feeds in the water which it purifies effectively
- Its long roots dive deep, forming a small aquatic jungle
- Covers the surface moderately and controllably. The light is filtered, not blocked
- Hosts aquatic fauna among its long roots, and terrestrial fauna on its leaves
- Very easy plant if kept from winter outdoors
How to grow the floating frogbit?
Simply place the plant on the water surface, where it vertically dips its roots.
- 🏞️ Suitable for ponds, basins, trashcan aquariums, as well as aquariums over 60 liters
- 🌡️ Prefers warm and gently circulated water
- 💧 Ideal for low-tech aquaristics without filter
- 🐌 Compatible with ostracods, daphnia, water lice, snails
- 🐸 Can establish itself permanently without special maintenance
FAQ - Floating frogbit
Does it survive the winter?
Yes, it is perfectly hardy and survives frost in temperate climates.
How does it float with such large roots?
Floating frogbit has a unique leaf structure: the underside is spongy and composed of a multitude of air-filled cavities. Impossible to sink!
Is it invasive?
No, its growth is moderate and very easy to control.
Can it be put 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. Floating frogbit is a very good alternative, with the same advantages as Pistia.
Can it be kept in an aquarium?
Yes, provided the water height reaches at least 40 cm, because the roots become long and form a "jungle of vines." In a large aquarium, it would really be a shame to miss out on it.
Additional information
Scientific name: Limnobium laevigatum
Plant type: floating frogbit purifying and filtering plant
Packaging: one rooted plant (indicative weight: 12 g)
Guarantee: plants grown without any artificial inputs. No fertilizer, no algaecide, no antibiotic.
Recommendation: as a precautionary principle, please never release this plant into the wild. It is not native to our regions, should normally not naturalize, but we must preserve our ecosystems.
