Description
Limnobium laevigatum, commonly known as Amazon Frogbit, is a free-floating aquatic plant from South America that produces rosettes of rounded, spongy green leaves on the water surface. Its floating habit, attractive leaf rosettes, and highly effective nutrient uptake make it a practical and visually appealing choice for planted aquariums—particularly biotope-style setups and aquariums where additional surface plant coverage, water flow diffusion, or natural shading is desired.
Extremely easy and undemanding, it grows at a medium pace in low to medium light without requiring CO₂ or specialized fertilization, absorbing nutrients directly from the water column. Under good conditions, it grows quickly and helps control algae by lowering nitrates. Its long, trailing roots provide excellent natural shelter and foraging grounds for fish fry and shrimp.
Supplied as a Tropica 1-2-GROW! tissue culture cup, this plant arrives completely free from snails, pest algae, and pesticide residue. Simply remove it from the cup, rinse the gel, and float the plantlets on the water surface. Suitable for aquariums from 20 litres upward, it is an easy, natural-looking floating plant that is fully shrimp-safe and highly beneficial for community and shrimp aquariums.
Quick Facts & Specifications
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Common Name: Amazon Frogbit
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Genus: Limnobium
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Species: laevigatum
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Origin: South America
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Position in Aquarium: Floating (Surface)
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Growth Rate: Medium pace
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Grows Up To: 5 cm (Leaf height; roots trail longer)
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Pot / Cup Size: 7 cm (Tropica 1-2-GROW! Tissue Culture)
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Care Level: Very Easy & Undemanding
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CO2 & Fertilisers: Not required (Absorbs nutrients directly from water column)
Plant Sizes & What to Expect
The image of the plant you'll be receiving is an example of what you can expect. Each plant is unique and may vary in size and shape depending on the time of year. Tissue cultured plants are grown in a sterile laboratory environment, so they arrive 100% free from snails, algae, and pesticide residue. They may look smaller on arrival, but each cup contains multiple plantlets designed to be divided and floated, where they establish quickly with minimal melt and grow into place.
Frequently Asked Questions & Product FAQs
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Is Limnobium laevigatum easy to keep? Yes, it is extremely easy and undemanding, thriving under basic aquarium lighting.
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Does it need CO2? No, it absorbs carbon dioxide directly from the air above the surface and nutrients from the water column.
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Does it spread fast? It grows rapidly under good conditions and needs periodic thinning to prevent it from covering the entire surface and blocking light to submerged plants.
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Is it safe for shrimp tanks? Absolutely—it is 100% shrimp-safe and provides ideal shelter and grazing surfaces among its roots.
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What is it good for? It excels at absorbing excess nitrates, diffusing harsh lighting, preventing algae, and providing natural shelter for fish fry and shrimp.
