Nuttall's waterweed
Elodea nuttallii · Hydrocharitaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant nuttall's waterweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Hydrocharitaceae
- Form
- Submerged aquatic plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen, light to medium green
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates cold water
- Origin
- North America
- Height
- Up to 1 m and more depending on depth
Care
Submersion and water circulation
Nuttall's Waterweed must remain completely submerged in fresh or slightly brackish water. Ensure gentle water circulation exists to avoid dead zones where sediments accumulate. In stagnant aquariums or ponds, light aeration is recommended to maintain water quality.
Light
This plant appreciates good brightness, ideally 8 to 10 hours of light per day. It also tolerates semi-shade conditions, but insufficient light slows its growth. Natural light or appropriate lighting promotes denser and more colorful foliage.
Substrate and anchoring
Nuttall's Waterweed doesn't need rich substrate: it absorbs most of its nutrients from the water. Light substrate or fine gravel allows better anchoring of adventitious roots. It can also float freely or be weighted down depending on your needs.
Fertilization
Moderate fertilization promotes growth, especially in poor aquariums. Use a balanced complete aquatic fertilizer, applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Micronutrient deficiency can weaken the foliage.
Trimming and maintenance
Trim stems regularly to promote branching and prevent overly linear growth. Remove brown or rotted parts that compromise water quality. This plant tolerates cutting well and regenerates quickly.
Health and prevention
Nuttall's Waterweed is generally robust. Watch for accumulation of silt or filamentous algae that reduce its filtration efficiency. Dirty water or insufficient circulation promote the proliferation of harmful algae.
Did you know?
Nuttall's Waterweed has become a formidable invasive species in Europe since the 1970s, where it suffocates natural aquatic ecosystems with impressive vigor. Although useful in aquariums for purifying water and providing oxygen, releasing it into natural environments can cause major ecological damage, making it a plant to be strictly confined at home.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Halophila decipiensHalophila decipiens
- Halophila spinulosaHalophila spinulosa
- Canadian waterweedElodea canadensis
- Halophila tricostataHalophila tricostata
- Halophila capricorniHalophila capricorni
- FrogbitHydrocharis morsus-ranae
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.