About the Frogbit
Plant Name: Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
Care Level: Easy
Recommended Substrate: None required; free-floating plant
Recommended Lighting: Moderate to high lighting
Recommended Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
Max Plant Size: Leaves typically reach 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) across, with roots that can grow 12 inches (30 cm) or longer
Foreground, Midground, or Background?: Floating
Need CO2?: No
Fun Fact: Frogbit develops long, feathery roots that hang down into the aquarium and create excellent shelter for shrimp, fry, and small fish. Because it grows directly at the water's surface, it can also absorb nutrients quickly and help compete with algae for excess nutrients.
Appearance: Frogbit produces smooth, rounded to oval bright green leaves that float at the water's surface. Beneath each rosette, long branching roots create an attractive curtain-like appearance.
Aquarium Use: Excellent for adding surface cover, providing shade for low-light plants and fish, and creating hiding areas among its roots. It is particularly popular in betta, shrimp, and breeding aquariums.
Propagation: Propagates naturally by producing runners that develop daughter plants. These new rosettes can be separated once established or simply allowed to spread across the surface.
Note: Keep the tops of the leaves relatively dry and avoid placing Frogbit directly beneath strong filter outflow or constant surface splashing. Regular thinning prevents it from completely covering the surface and blocking too much light from plants below.
