Water Lettuce

First discovered on the River Nile, near Lake Victoria, the water lettuce, also known as the water or Nile cabbage, floats on the surface of the pond. Its light green, deeply veined velvety leaves have no stems but its roots trail under the leaves, providing shelter for small fish.

• Looks like a floating head of lettuce with soft, hairy leaves.
• Happy in full sun or partial shade.
• Leaves can be up to 10" (25 cms) long and 4" (10 cms) wide.
• They provide shade and spawning areas for fish.
• Water lettuce can oxygenate and clear water
• It can prevent algal blooms.
• Water lettuce plants readily send out runners and love to be crowded together (just remove some if there are too many).
• They provide a valuable habitat for insect larvae and snails.
• Susceptible to frost and do best in sheltered pools.
• Can be overwintered indoors.
• Larger fish may eat the roots.