Duckweed Plant Care
Lemna aequinoctialis Welw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lemna aequinoctialis, the lesser duckweed, is a tiny, floating aquatic plant in the aroid family, found in quiet, still waters of the Southern U.S., as well as Mexico and some Caribbean Islands. Additionally, it can be found from the state of Virginia south through Florida, north to Nebraska and even into southern Wisconsin.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Duckweed?
Duckweed grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Duckweed?
Duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis) belongs to the Araceae family within the Lemna genus. Duckweed is native to quiet, still waters of the Southern U. Duckweed is also known as Small Duckweed.
Duckweed displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Duckweed produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
What Light Does the Duckweed Need?
Duckweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Duckweed?
Nutrient-rich aquatic soil. Good drainage is essential for Duckweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Duckweed?
No need for traditional potting, grows in water. 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 Duckweed?
Duckweed can be propagated through division, daughter plants. Similar propagation techniques also apply to duckweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Duckweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Duckweed, 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 Duckweed?
Duckweed is susceptible to algae, aquatic insects. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Duckweed 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 Lemna genus — compare its care with other Lemna species on PlantoScan.
Lemna is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Duckweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lemna aequinoctialis Welw., family Araceae (first published in Apont. : 578 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Duckweed, 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.
- 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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