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Frogbit (Limnobium spongia)

Cannot ship to CA

The green heart shaped leaves resemble a miniature waterlily and float on the waters surface. Frogbit forms buds that sink to the bottom of the pond to winter over until spring. This floating plant is well suited for container water gardens and smaller water features.

At the nurseries, the frogbit roots in to the soil, which is what we ship. It can be planted if you want, but it won't send out the runners that float. At first the plants might tip over when first put into the pond. It takes about two weeks for it to send out the runners, but then it spreads like crazy and you have a really nice floating plant. Frogbit will form buds that winter over at the bottom of the water garden until spring. If Frogbit roots into soil in the bog areas of the pond, it will grow upright as a marginal plant.

Frogbit (Limnobium spongia)

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade

Height: 1/2" - 1"

Water Depth: Floating Surface Pond Plant

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CANNOT SHIP TO: CALIFORNIA

Frogbit Planting Instructions: 

1. Plant the frogbit by gently dropping it onto the surface of the aquarium or pond where you want to grow it. The roots of the plant should point down, towards the bottom of the water. From here, the plant will remain free floating, or, if there is a substrate of some type, may take root.

2. Maintain a water temperature between 64 and 86 degrees F. It is within this temperature range that the frog bit will be the healthiest. You can monitor the temperature of the water with a small thermometer.

3. Maintain a water pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. Use a water testing kit to determine the pH level in your pond or aquarium. You can use water additives to raise or lower the pH level if necessary.

4. Keep the water current gentle in the pond or aquarium. Aquatic plants require a little current in the water in order to stay healthy. However, since frog bit is primarily a floating plant, it’s best for the current to be slow and gentle. A small waterfall feature, in a pond, or a filtration system in an aquarium will usually create enough of a current.

5. Keep the frogbit in an area where it will receive light. Frogbit prefers to receive about three hours of direct light each day. A place in a sunny area of your home will do this. However, if you have fish in your aquarium and don’t want to expose them to the temperature fluctuations sunlight can cause, you can install a full-spectrum aquarium light. Keep the light far enough away that the leaves of the plant do not burn.

6. Remove any dead or dying leaves, flowers or root and stem pieces regularly. Rotting plant matter can change the chemical levels of the water, and also cause pollution in the water.