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Amazon Frogbit
BeginnerLimnobium laevigatum
Charming floating plant with round leaves. Simply float on surface for easy care. Long trailing roots provide shelter for fry and shrimp. Excellent water purification.
About
Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is a floating plant in the family Hydrocharitaceae, native to Central and South America. It spreads round leaves about 2-3 cm across on the water surface and trails roots into the water column. Spongy aerenchyma on the leaf undersides provides buoyancy, keeping it stably afloat. Requiring no CO2 or substrate fertilizer, it absorbs excess nutrients vigorously, so it is often introduced for algae control and water purification. It propagates rapidly via runners producing daughter plants, so it should be thinned when crowded. Because it shades the tank below, balance with submerged plants is important. The dangling roots provide shelter and spawning sites for small fish and shrimp. Hardy and beginner-friendly, though leaves are prone to damage from strong surface flow or splashing.
Size of the Amazon Frogbit
The Amazon Frogbit grows to Leaf diameter 2-5cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Amazon Frogbit
The ideal temperature for the Amazon Frogbit is 20〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Central and South America (including the Amazon basin)
Size
Leaf diameter 2-5cm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Absorbs nutrients from water. No extra fertilizer needed
Growing Tips
Lighting
Fluorescent to LED. Too strong may burn leaves
CO2 & Fertilizer
Needs no CO2 or substrate fertiliser; it grows by absorbing excess nutrients from the water. Without any feeding it also helps suppress algae and purify the water.
Water Temperature & Quality
Aim for a water temperature of 20-28°C. It multiplies vigorously even in nutrient-rich water, so there is little need to fuss over water quality.
Maintenance
Thin out excess. Covering too much blocks light below
Flow
Dislikes strong flow. Calm environments are best
Cautions
The leaves are easily damaged by the flow and splashing of a hang-on top filter. The roots serve as shelter and spawning sites for small fish and shrimp, so make use of them.
Amazon Frogbit FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Amazon Frogbit?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Amazon Frogbit?
The ideal temperature for Amazon Frogbit is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Amazon Frogbit get?
The mature size of Amazon Frogbit is Leaf diameter 2-5cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Amazon Frogbit?
Amazon Frogbit: watering & fertilizer — Absorbs nutrients from water. No extra fertilizer needed. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Amazon Frogbit?
The price of Amazon Frogbit varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: The second edition of the Ministry of the Environment / MAFF Invasive Alien Species List for ecosystem damage prevention (published 11 September 2026) lists Amazon frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) as No. 47, a "priority control" alien species (防除推進外来種). If it invades areas important for biodiversity, such as national parks or habitats of endangered species, it is to be controlled. It is not a designated Invasive Alien Species, and growing or selling it is not legally restricted. Plants in cultivation are not subject to control, but do not discard them outdoors or let them escape with aquarium waste water or stem and leaf fragments (the list asks that listed species are never released into the wild).
Sources: Ministry of the Environment Designated Invasive Species List (Invasive Species Act) / CITES Appendix II listed plant taxa (family and genus level)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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