Greater Waterwort Plant Care
Elatine alsinastrum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Elatine alsinastrum is a member of the genus Elatine in the plant family Elatinaceae, the waterwort family.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Greater Waterwort?
Water Greater Waterwort every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Greater Waterwort?
Greater Waterwort (Elatine alsinastrum) belongs to the Elatinaceae family within the Elatine genus. Greater Waterwort is also known as Waterwort.
Greater Waterwort displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Greater Waterwort produces small white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Greater Waterwort?
Elatine alsinastrum requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Greater Waterwort Need?
Greater Waterwort thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Greater Waterwort Prefer?
Elatine alsinastrum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Greater Waterwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Greater Waterwort?
Moist, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Greater Waterwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Greater Waterwort?
Feed Greater Waterwort every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Greater Waterwort?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Greater Waterwort?
Greater Waterwort can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elatine chilensis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Greater Waterwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Greater Waterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Greater Waterwort?
Greater Waterwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Greater Waterwort Need?
Greater Waterwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Greater Waterwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Greater Waterwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Elatine genus — compare its care with other Elatine species on PlantoScan.
Elatine is part of the Elatinaceae plant family — browse all Elatinaceae genera and species.
Greater Waterwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Elatine Species
Other Elatine species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Elatine alsinastrum L., family Elatinaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 368 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Greater Waterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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