Image: AI generated
Duckweed Plant Care
Wolffiella oblonga (Phil.) Hegelm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Wolffiella oblonga is a tiny aquatic plant with oval-shaped leaves that float on the water's surface. Its green color and delicate appearance make it a distinctive addition to any water garden or aquarium. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to its unique growth habit, as it forms dense mats over time.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Duckweed?
Water Duckweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Duckweed Native To?
What Is the Duckweed?
Duckweed (Wolffiella oblonga) belongs to the Araceae family within the Wolffiella genus. Duckweed is native to tropical and subtropical South America, and to a few locales in North America. Duckweed is also known as Watermeal.
Duckweed displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Duckweed produces tiny inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Duckweed?
Wolffiella oblonga requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Duckweed Need?
Duckweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Duckweed Prefer?
Wolffiella oblonga grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Duckweed prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Duckweed?
Aquatic environment with clean water and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Duckweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Duckweed?
Feed Duckweed every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Duckweed?
Does not require 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, spores. 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 generally pest-free. 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 Duckweed Need?
Duckweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Duckweed is native to tropical and subtropical South America, and to a few locales in North America. In cooler regions, grow Duckweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
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 Wolffiella genus — compare its care with other Wolffiella species on PlantoScan.
Wolffiella 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.
More Wolffiella Species
Other Wolffiella species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Wolffiella oblonga (Phil.) Hegelm., family Araceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 21: 303 (1895)) — 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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