Menu
Log in
site_logo

Wolffiella denticulata (Hegelm.) Hegelm.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Wolffiella denticulata (Hegelm.) Hegelm.
  • Common Name: Toothless duckweed, water lens

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to North and Central America
  • Features: Extremely small, strap-shaped fronds and lack of roots

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Wolffiella
  • Botanical Background: Described by botanist Christoph Friedrich Hegelmaier in the 19th century, who specialized in aquatic plants. The name "denticulata" refers to tiny teeth along the plant margin, though these are microscopic

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to parts of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
  • Environment: Grows in stagnant or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, ditches, and marshes; Prefers nutrient-rich, calm environments and tolerates a range of pH and temperature conditions

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Flattened, elliptical fronds measuring 0.5 to 2.0 mm in length
  • Light green 
  • Lack a midrib

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Rarely produced and extremely reduced
  • Consisting of a single pistil and one or two stamens without a spathe or typical spadix
  • Pollination is poorly understood and infrequent

Growth Habit

  • Free-floating aquatic plant without roots
  • Reproduces primarily through budding and fragmentation

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light or partial sun
  • Can tolerate low light but grows more slowly

Watering & Humidity

  • It should be kept in shallow, standing water
  • No additional humidity is necessary

Soil & Potting Mix

  • No additional humidity is necessary
  • Grows freely on water surfaces in containers or ponds

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C
  • Occasional dosing with a diluted aquatic plant fertilizer promotes healthy growth

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Propagates rapidly through vegetative budding
  • Fronds divide and form new plants, making it easy to cultivate


Seeds

  • Rare and not a common propagation method
  • Seed viability is not well-documented

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Algal overgrowth in nutrient-rich water

Treatment Recommendations

  • Ensure good water quality to minimize problems
  • Manual thinning of mats
  • Maintaining a balanced aquatic ecosystem helps prevent algae and rot
  • Avoid over-fertilization

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Among the smallest flowering plants on Earth
  • Plays an ecological role by providing habitat for microfauna and helping filter water
  • Often used in aquaria, water gardens, and ecological research
  • Fast growth and minimal care requirements make it appealing for natural filtration systems

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not currently considered threatened
  • Wide range and adaptability contribute to stable wild populations

Market Availability

  • Available from specialty aquatic plant nurseries
  • Often sold as part of duckweed mixes

References & Resources

Further Reading

LOVE AROIDS?

Immerse yourself in aroid bliss by joining our family of thousands of ariod enthusiasts worldwide today.

You’ll love the benefits and incredible community.

Shop IAS Merch

Shop our merch store! The 2025 Limited Edition items, designed by Andrew Blaurock, are available for a limited time.

Frank Luca Anthurium Nov
DF Unisex Hoodie

$38.00

'Stripey' Unisex Classic
Tee

$25.00

'Stripey' Unisex V-Neck
T-Shirt

$25.00

'Stripey' Unisex T-shirt

$25.00

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
Document