Photo: Asher P HigginsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Watermeal Plant Care
Wolffia brasiliensis Wedd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This tiny plant's minuscule green leaves form a floating mat on the water's surface. Originating from South America, Wolffia brasiliensis is sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to reproduce rapidly, making it an intriguing addition to any collection.
Every 1–3 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Watermeal?
Water Watermeal every 1–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity.
Where Is the Watermeal Native To?
What Is the Watermeal?
Watermeal (Wolffia brasiliensis) belongs to the Araceae family within the Wolffia genus. Watermeal is native to North and South America. Watermeal is also known as Duckweed.
Watermeal displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Watermeal produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Watermeal?
Wolffia brasiliensis requires watering every 1–3 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 1–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Watermeal Need?
Watermeal thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Watermeal Prefer?
Wolffia brasiliensis grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Watermeal prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Watermeal?
Nutrient-rich aquatic environment. Good drainage is essential for Watermeal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Watermeal?
Does not require traditional potting, thrives 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 Watermeal?
Watermeal can be propagated through division, fragmentation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to watermeal plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Watermeal Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Watermeal, 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 Watermeal?
Watermeal is susceptible to not typically susceptible to pests. 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 Watermeal Need?
Watermeal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Watermeal is native to North and South America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Watermeal 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 Wolffia genus — compare its care with other Wolffia species on PlantoScan.
Wolffia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Watermeal 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: Wolffia brasiliensis Wedd., family Araceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 3, 12: 170 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Watermeal, 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.
- Photo: Asher P Higgins, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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