This plant is generally used in the foreground of the aquarium in small clumps. Sometimes called water lettuce because of its colour and appearance. This is a very fast growing plant that demands high light and nutrients. In warmer countries like South Africa this plant can reproduce very fast in rivers dams and waterways clogging them with this weed. It does however have its use in the aquarium and its hanging roots can be very decorative.
Plants grown in the aquarium are alot diffrent to the emersed plant.
The aquatic leaves are narrow and often reddish in colour if they receive enough light. The emersed leaves are small and round and normally light green. The plants flowers are small and pink. This amphibious plant does well in the aquarium if it is given good lighting. These plants grow much the same way as the Houttunyia species with underground stems.