Encyclopedia - Plants for ponds
Rootless Wolffia
Wolffia arrhiza
Wolffia consists of very small green elliptical bodies about 1 mm in diameter. It has become quite common among aquarists recently, as it is used not only as a natural shade for the aquarium, but also as an excellent supplement to the diet of many fish.
Wolffia can be cultivated in an aquarium year-round. The plant is not demanding in terms of temperature. It can be grown in temperate and tropical aquaria. In winter the plant can tolerate prolonged drops in temperature to 14 - 16 °C, and its growth does not stop. Wolffia can be kept in both soft and hard water with neutral, slightly acidic, and slightly alkaline reaction. In soft slightly acidic water the plant fares somewhat better. Regular water changes are necessary for Wolffia. It is very important that the water surface be in motion. In stagnant water, on the surface of which a bacterial film easily forms, Wolffia dies quickly.
The plant requires bright lighting. It grows well under natural light. From direct sunlight the rootless Wolffia is best somewhat shaded. For artificial lighting fluorescent lamps of type LB with a power of at least 2-2.5 W per 1 dm2 of water surface are suitable. The light period should be no less than 12 hours.
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