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Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:34 am
by bettaMagenta
Got mature pics of these plants under LED lights? I recently picked some up and, well, most of them didn't do great due to cold temps and a long shipping time, but the roots have been going crazy and they're leafing out nicely.
Re-reading the info I have, they're supposed to be able to grow up to 10 inches in diameter, which is cool with me - I just need to give 'em space to grow instead of filling in with smaller plants. If they keep growing like this, that is.
Wondering if they'll hit that size under LEDs or if that's just for outdoor ponds... and also curious about the root growth. All this has happened in just the last week, so we'll see.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 1:31 pm
by infold
I had some of that plant in a tub outside and it just exploded with growth. The roots were like an underwater jungle, it was crazy. I even had betta fish spawn in it and the fry grew like mad without me feeding them, it was amazing. That plant is definitely a winner, I'm gonna have to try that again.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 2:19 pm
by Burgermuncher
I've had these plants for a while, and from what I've seen, they don't take to glass covers too well. The leaf tops seem pretty sensitive to excess moisture. I've had the roots stretch out to around 15" - definitely not a good fit for shallow tanks in my experience. Without a glass cover, they do much better, but I've got to keep one on or the humidity in my place skyrockets, especially during our wet winters when it easily breaks 80%.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 2:52 pm
by bettaMagenta
I've got mine in an open topped 45 gallon tall, and they seem to be thriving so far.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 5:38 pm
by Burgermuncher
bettaMagenta wrote: ↑Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:34 am
Got mature pics of these plants under LED lights? I recently picked some up and, well, most of them didn't do great due to cold temps and a long shipping time, but the roots have been going crazy and they're leafing out nicely.
Re-reading the info I have, they're supposed to be able to grow up to 10 inches in diameter, which is cool with me - I just need to give 'em space to grow instead of filling in with smaller plants. If they keep growing like this, that is.
Wondering if they'll hit that size under LEDs or if that's just for outdoor ponds... and also curious about the root growth. All this has happened in just the last week, so we'll see.
I've always been a fan of open top tanks, I'd have them all if I could. You might want to check the RH in your home, I've had condensation on the walls just above the tank and they're interior walls.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 7:08 pm
by bettaMagenta
I've got it covered, the old farmhouse has its quirks - dry air in winter, centflake air in summer. Weekly water changes, plus an extra 5 gallons to account for winter evaporation. Summer's a breeze, no need for that. The house is old, so outside air still seeps in, keeping humidity in check. I've been making it more airtight each year, so I'm sure I'll have to worry about it eventually.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 9:28 pm
by Burgermuncher
I'm seeing minimal evaporation in my newer home, around 1/8th inch to 1/4 inch between water changes. My old place was a 50s home with a wood stove and I recall the air feeling drier and better suited for my tanks.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:28 pm
by BadgersSong
I never got the results I wanted with them, but that was in a covered tank. Open air and bright lights seem to be the key. I think massive floaters would be amazing, sounds like you're on the right track.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:44 pm
by graye
I had no idea the Pistia or water lettuce was originally from Africa. Great info. It's perfect for my Betta tank - they wouldn't even touch it in the wild. I've had success with it outside, but it struggles in my uncovered window tanks during the short winter days.
Re: Does anyone else have experience with african water lettuce?
Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2023 12:25 am
by infold
BadgersSong wrote: ↑Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:28 pm
I never got the results I wanted with them, but that was in a covered tank. Open air and bright lights seem to be the key. I think massive floaters would be amazing, sounds like you're on the right track.
You've gotta give this plant a shot in a tub or pond outside at least once, just to see it go wild. The roots are off the charts, I'm talking an underwater jungle. I'm pretty sure it's a heavy feeder, so having some fish around is a must for it to really thrive. I had it throw off a bunch of babies too, it was crazy.