How to Grow Duckweed
Tip
Duckweed, in moderation, can prevent algae problems by using the nutrients algae needs to grow and shading the bottom. It also prevents evaporation by keeping the water cool.
Do not use aquatic herbicides or fertilizers with duckweed. Herbicides, no matter how carefully applied, will kill the duckweed. Fertilizers will cause excessive growth.
Warning
Duckweed reproduces fast enough to double the surface area it covers in less than two days.
Do not allow duckweed to cover the entire surface of your pond. This leads to fish and aquatic plant death.
B[ [duckweed cultivation](https://www.gardenguides.com/109434-problems-duckweed-ponds/) ]nign neglect is the keyword in duckweed cultivation. The less attention you pay to it the more it will thrive. Duckweed does not need supplemental fertilization or winter protection. It only needs still water in full to partial sunlight. Duckweed grows best in ponds that contain fish, as duckweed can be invasive if not kept in check. Fish love duckweed and will happily eat as much as they can. Duckweed is a simple plant consisting of two to three leaf- or frond-like structures and a single root or root hair. Duckweed is hardy to Zone 3 and grows on every continent except Antarctica.
- Benign neglect is the keyword in duckweed cultivation.
- Duckweed grows best in ponds that contain fish, as duckweed can be invasive if not kept in check.
Add duckweed to your pond in mid-spring by floating a small clump on the surface of the water. Duckweed can be purchased from most fish stores, garden centers or catalogs that sell aquatic plants and supplies.
Allow your duckweed to increase until it covers 1/3 of the total surface area of your pond.
Use a hand skimmer or fish net to remove the excess duckweed. Add the removed duckweed to compost piles, as it is a rich source of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients.
Establish a duckweed breeding tank if your fish are eating it faster than it can reproduce. Use a bucket to remove pond water containing duckweed plants.
- Add duckweed to your pond in mid-spring by floating a small clump on the surface of the water.
- Establish a duckweed breeding tank if your fish are eating it faster than it can reproduce.
Place your aquarium in a sunny spot and fill at least half of it with the pond water/duckweed mix. Use pond water to top off the tank when evaporation lowers the water level.
Periodically add half of the duckweed growing in the aquarium to your pond.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
This article was written by the CareerTrend team, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more about CareerTrend, contact us [here](http://careertrend.com/about-us).
