Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) – Fast-growing aquatic plant with large, nutrient-rich floating leaves, perfect for ponds, aquariums, and water filtration.
Approximately: 20-40 Leaves
Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich floating aquatic plant that provides natural filtration, oxygenation, and a sustainable food source for fish, shrimp, and aquatic animals. With its larger leaves compared to common duckweed (Lemna spp.), this species offers improved nutrient absorption, making it ideal for ponds, aquariums, aquaponics, and wastewater treatment systems.
This hardy plant thrives in still or slow-moving water and rapidly reproduces, creating a lush green cover that helps reduce algae growth, filter excess nutrients, and provide shade for aquatic life. Whether used as a natural water purifier, a high-protein livestock and fish feed, or an attractive floating plant, Giant Duckweed is an eco-friendly addition to any aquatic environment.
Key Features:
✔ Fast-Growing – Expands rapidly under optimal conditions, covering water surfaces efficiently.
✔ Natural Water Filtration – Absorbs excess nutrients like nitrates, phosphates, and heavy metals, improving water quality.
✔ High-Protein Feed – Excellent food source for fish, shrimp, ducks, and livestock, containing up to 40% protein.
✔ Algae Control – Reduces sunlight penetration, helping prevent unwanted algae blooms.
✔ Cold-Hardy & Versatile – Survives in tropical and temperate climates, overwintering as turions (resting buds).
✔ Oxygenates & Protects Aquatic Life – Provides shade, shelter, and oxygenation for fish, shrimp, and amphibians.
✔ Easy to Maintain – Grows without soil, requiring minimal care once established.
Ideal for:
🏞 Ponds & Lakes – Provides natural water filtration and prevents excessive algae growth.
🐠 Aquariums & Shrimp Tanks – Offers bio-filtration and a food source for freshwater shrimp and fish.
🌊 Aquaponics & Hydroponics – Enhances nutrient cycling in sustainable growing systems.
🐦 Poultry & Livestock Feed – High in protein and essential nutrients for ducks, chickens, and fish.
Growing Information:
💧 Water Depth: Floating – thrives in still or slow-moving water
☀️ Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
🌡 Optimal Temperature: 60-85°F (15-30°C); tolerates colder temperatures by forming dormant turions
📏 Leaf Size: 2-10 mm wide, larger than common duckweed
💦 Water Conditions: Best in nutrient-rich, low-current environments
How to Grow & Care for Giant Duckweed
1️⃣ Introduce to Water Surface – Simply place fresh or dried duckweed into an aquarium, pond, or tank.
2️⃣ Provide Nutrients – Grows best in nutrient-rich water with moderate nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
3️⃣ Avoid Strong Currents – Prefers calm or slow-moving water; excessive water movement can disrupt growth.
4️⃣ Harvest Regularly – Remove excess duckweed to prevent overcrowding and maintain balanced growth.
5️⃣ Overwintering – In colder climates, collect and store turions (resting buds) for reintroduction in spring.
🌿 Pro Tip: For rapid growth, supplement with aquatic plant fertilizer or maintain a nutrient-rich pond environment.
Best Uses for Giant Duckweed
🌊 Pond & Aquarium Filtration – Acts as a natural bio-filter, removing excess nutrients and improving water clarity.
🐟 Fish & Shrimp Feed – A nutritious, high-protein food source for tilapia, koi, goldfish, bettas, shrimp, and snails.
🦆 Duck & Chicken Feed – A sustainable, nutrient-dense feed option for poultry and livestock.
🌿 Organic Fertilizer & Compost – Rich in organic matter, great for use in compost or as a soil amendment.
🛡 Algae Prevention – Helps control algae growth by reducing sunlight exposure and absorbing excess nutrients.
Common Questions:
💡 Does Giant Duckweed need special care?
No, Giant Duckweed is low-maintenance and grows without soil. Just ensure it has nutrient-rich water and calm conditions.
💡 How fast does Giant Duckweed reproduce?
It doubles in mass every 2-4 days under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing aquatic plants.
💡 Is Giant Duckweed invasive?
In warm climates, it can spread quickly. Regular harvesting helps control growth and keeps ponds balanced.
💡 Can I use it as fish food?
Yes! Many fish, shrimp, and aquatic creatures love to eat Giant Duckweed due to its high protein content.
Order Your Giant Duckweed Today!
Enhance your pond, aquarium, or aquaponic system with this fast-growing, nutrient-rich aquatic plant. Perfect for water filtration, livestock feed, and sustainable gardening! 🌱💦