Water
As an aquatic plant, Spirodela polyrhiza lives entirely on the water surface. It requires a stable water environment with adequate nutrients. Avoid stagnant water that can lead to algae blooms.
Also known as Common Duckmeat · Common Duckweed · Common Water Flaxseed
Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is a free-floating aquatic plant with small, round, dark green to purplish leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
80% intensity
Bright light encourages growth.
Always keep submerged in water.
100% intensity
This is an aquatic plant.
Does not require soil; floats on the water surface.
50% intensity
Thrives in moderate temperatures.
70% intensity
Ideal range is 15-25°C.
Aquatic, Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilize sparingly.
30% intensity
Use diluted balanced fertilizer in nutrient-poor water.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
As an aquatic plant, Spirodela polyrhiza lives entirely on the water surface. It requires a stable water environment with adequate nutrients. Avoid stagnant water that can lead to algae blooms.
Pruning is generally not required. If the plant becomes too dense and covers the entire water surface, it can be thinned out by removing excess fronds. This also helps prevent oxygen depletion in the water below.
Propagation is extremely rapid and occurs through vegetative budding. New fronds develop from existing ones and detach to form new plants.
This natural fragmentation allows for quick colonization of suitable water bodies.
Repotting is not applicable as this is a free-floating aquatic plant. It does not grow in soil and is not contained in pots. Its spread is managed by physical removal or by natural population dynamics.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)
Where Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Spirodela |
| Species | Spirodela polyrhiza |
Similar in genus Spirodela
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
