Water Lettuce is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and sub-tropical Africa. Water lettuceΒ (Pistia stratiotes), alsoΒ referred to as water cabbage, or Nile cabbage which creates theΒ perfect environmentΒ for fry and skittish fish.
It is believed that water lettuce is native to Africa, though there is no consensus on where it originated from on the continent. It was first recorded on the Nile River, near Lake Victoria. In the ensuing years after its discovery, it has spread around the globe, and presents a very real threat to native vegetation and fish. In fact, it is illegal to own or transport water lettuce in certain states and countries, and anyone looking to purchase these plants should first check local regulations.
Water lettuceΒ grows up to 10 inches across (25.5 centimeters), though it tends to be smaller in the home aquarium. Its leaves haveΒ no stem and their surface is covered in short, soft hairs, which help to trap air and increase the buoyancy of the plant.
Planting & Sun / Shade
Water lettuce grows floating on the surface water, and its leaves form a rosette, with dense, submerged roots beneath it. These plants grow like a weed outdoors.
A half barrel is an ideal container forΒ water lettuce. The plants need full sun in garden ponds, but in containers they do best if they have shade from mid to late afternoon. Cover the inside of the barrel with a heavy duty garbage bag and then place a layer of soil in the bottom of the container. Donβt use commercial potting soil, which contains fertilizers and other chemicals that may harm the plant and encourage the growth of algae.
Water Care
City water is usually treated with chlorine or chloramine, which is harmful to plants. Garden centers sell products that remove the chlorine and chloramine from the water and make it safe for plants. There is no need to treat the small amounts of water that you use to top off the container through the season. Rain water is best to use to grown them in.
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Water Lettuce is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and sub-tropical Africa. Water lettuceΒ (Pistia stratiotes), alsoΒ referred to as water cabbage, or Nile cabbage which creates theΒ perfect environmentΒ for fry and skittish fish.
It is believed that water lettuce is native to Africa, though there is no consensus on where it originated from on the continent. It was first recorded on the Nile River, near Lake Victoria. In the ensuing years after its discovery, it has spread around the globe, and presents a very real threat to native vegetation and fish. In fact, it is illegal to own or transport water lettuce in certain states and countries, and anyone looking to purchase these plants should first check local regulations.
Water lettuceΒ grows up to 10 inches across (25.5 centimeters), though it tends to be smaller in the home aquarium. Its leaves haveΒ no stem and their surface is covered in short, soft hairs, which help to trap air and increase the buoyancy of the plant.
Planting & Sun / Shade
Water lettuce grows floating on the surface water, and its leaves form a rosette, with dense, submerged roots beneath it. These plants grow like a weed outdoors.
A half barrel is an ideal container forΒ water lettuce. The plants need full sun in garden ponds, but in containers they do best if they have shade from mid to late afternoon. Cover the inside of the barrel with a heavy duty garbage bag and then place a layer of soil in the bottom of the container. Donβt use commercial potting soil, which contains fertilizers and other chemicals that may harm the plant and encourage the growth of algae.
Water Care
City water is usually treated with chlorine or chloramine, which is harmful to plants. Garden centers sell products that remove the chlorine and chloramine from the water and make it safe for plants. There is no need to treat the small amounts of water that you use to top off the container through the season. Rain water is best to use to grown them in.
Rewards
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Kaytee exact Hand Feeding Formula was one of the first "instant" formulas available and is one of the most researched and respected products used by professional breeders, veterinarians and conserv...
Kaytee Yo Dips Sunflower Seed TreatsΒ blend extreme flavors, real fruit pieces and a creamy yogurt coating for a colorful explosion of taste and texture! These dipped treats are a wholesome, healthy...
Kaytee Yo Dip Fruit treats blend extreme flavors, real fruit pieces and a creamy yogurt coating for a colorful explosion of taste and texture! These dipped treats are a wholesome, healthy way to gi...
Australia is home to a wide variety of eco-systems including rainforests, wetlands, and deserts. Many of these areas provide natural habitats for various types of birds. Our Australian Blend is ins...
Kaytee Yo Dips are crunchy fortified nuggets with a smooth, delicious, fruit flavoured yogurt coating. Yogurt dipped treats are a healthy and funΒ treat for your pet!
Dipped in yogurt for added fla...
Sensible Seed Bird Food for Medium Birds is a premium blend of seeds and FruitBlend Flavor Smart Pellets to provide your bird a sensible way to indulge in a seed mix. This blend includes a deliciou...
Liquid Iodine is a dietary supplement designed to address iodine deficiencies in birds. Iodine is required for proper thyroid functioning. Iodine deficiencies can result in difficult moults, poor f...
South America, comprised of 12 countries, is home to the largest array of birds in the world with over 3,000 species. Inspired by this diverse continent and its many avian habitats, our South Ameri...
Patagoniaβs vast frontier is comprised of areas in Argentina and Chile. This region is made up of various landscapes and climates including rainforests, grasslands, mountains and deserts. Inspired ...
Sensible Seed Bird Food for Small Birds is a premium blend of seeds and FruitBlend Flavor Smart Pellets to provide your bird a sensible way to indulge in a seed mix. This blend includes a delicious...
Tiv's Treats is the latest addition to Exotic Wings' own brand of quality avian products. Featuring a variety of freeze-dried goodies in smaller pieces your small-to-medium-sized bird will love!
Wi...
Hours of fun for your bird without getting destroyed
17.5β³ Long x 8β³ Wide
Rope (K 259)Crazy Dice Toy with dowel, colourful rope, metal bells, plastic dice and plastic beads!Great fun for the bird t...
Colorful leaves, sweater weather, fun holidays β the fall season brings so many good things, including the return of pumpkin spice scents and flavors. And now, your small birds can join the pumpkin...
Indonesia is a country consisting of the largest group of islands in the world. It supports the worldβs highest level of biodiversity and is second only to South America for the total number of bir...
ZuPreem PastaBlend provides daily nutrition for parrots and conures. PastaBlend includes fun pasta shapes and colors and adds variety to your birdβs daily feeding program. This diet includes the es...
Like a harvest from a faraway paradise, Paradise Treat Mix is a bountiful collection of assorted nuts, seeds, veggies, and exotic dried fruits like papaya, coconut, and apricots. A great natural tr...
Science + nature: the best of both worlds. Canada Fresh utilizes quality Canadian resources, formulated to meet the nutritional needs in each stage of life.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Peas...
Colorful leaves, sweater weather, fun holidays β the fall season brings so many good things, including the return of pumpkin spice scents and flavors. And now, your parrots can join the pumpkin spi...
Canada Fresh proud to be partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. A portion of the proceeds from every can purchased goes to helping preserve and protect Canada's precious ecosystems. Every...
Tiv's Treats is the latest addition to Exotic Wings' own brand of quality avian products. Featuring a variety of freeze-dried goodies in larger chunks your medium-to-large-sized bird will love!
Wit...
Exotic Wings Newsletter
Keep up to date with store news, sales & events, and never miss another blog post!
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.