Image: AI generated
Watermeal Plant Care
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Wolffiella rotunda is a tiny aquatic plant with round, green leaves that float on the surface of water. Originating in freshwater habitats, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ability to create a lush green carpet on the water's surface.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Watermeal?
Water Watermeal every 3–7 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. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Watermeal?
Watermeal (Wolffiella rotunda) belongs to the Araceae family within the Wolffiella genus. Watermeal is native to North America, South America, Europe. 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?
Wolffiella rotunda requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 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?
Wolffiella rotunda 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?
Aquatic environment with clean water and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Watermeal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Watermeal?
Feed Watermeal 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 Watermeal?
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 Watermeal?
Watermeal can be propagated through division, spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to duckweed 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 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.
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 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.
Watermeal 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 rotunda Landolt, family Araceae (first published in Veröff. Geobot. Inst. ETH Stiftung Rübel Zürich 70: 26 (1980)) — 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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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