Quick Stats:

Care Level: Moderately Difficult

Water Conditions: 6.5-7.2 pH and Soft to Moderately Hard

Lighting Requirements: Medium

Temperature: 70 to 80 °F (21-27°C)

Maximum Size: 10 inches (25.5 centimeters)

Water lettuce grows floating on the surface water, and its leaves form a rosette, with dense, submerged roots beneath it. These plants grow like a weed outdoors, but they can be very challenging to grow in the home aquarium. However, if they are provided with the right conditions, they can completely overrun an aquarium, and in most cases, it’s a good idea to remove a few plants during weekly tank maintenance.

Water lettuce is compatible with most fish, although larger fish like cichlids may damage it. However, it should be completely avoided in any tank containing goldfish or any other large herbivore fish, as they tend to eat the roots, and even the plant itself.