Plants
Frogbit
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Origin: Frogbit is found in Europe and western Asia. It grows in still and slow-flowing waters — ponds, oxbows, and backwaters — floating freely on the surface.
Also known as: European frogbit, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Fact sheet
- Height
- 5 cm
- Temperature
- 10–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Lighting
- Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Placement
- Floating
Overview
Frogbit is a floating coldwater plant with rosettes of rounded leaves resembling miniature water lilies. Hardy and undemanding, it suits ponds and coldwater aquariums, providing shade and cover for fish and fry. It forms long trailing roots in which fry and shrimp hide. It spreads quickly by floating runners. For winter it forms resting buds (turions) that sink to the bottom. It is excellent for open-top aquariums.
Appearance
Rosettes of rounded heart-shaped leaves 1.5–4 cm across float on the surface, glossy on top. Fine white roots trail from the rosettes. It produces small white three-petalled flowers above water. The plants are linked by floating horizontal runners (stolons).
Care
A coldwater floating plant: 10–28 °C, moderate to strong light, pH 6.0–8.0. CO2 is not required. It dislikes strong surface flow and water droplets on the leaves (from the filter). It needs access to light from above.
Fertilizing
It feeds from the water column through its trailing roots. It has no strict fertiliser needs; in nutrient-rich water it spreads faster. It takes up excess nitrate, helping purify the water.
Breeding
It propagates vegetatively: daughter rosettes branch from the mother along stolons. For winter it forms turions — resting buds that produce new plants in spring. It spreads very fast.
Fun facts
The Latin name morsus-ranae means 'frog's bite'. Frogbit's trailing roots are excellent refuge for fry and shrimp. For winter the plant sinks to the bottom as resting buds and resurfaces in spring.