Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
ABOUT
Commonly known as frogbit, this aquatic plant is an attractive species that floats on the surface of still or slow-moving waters. Frogbit has a rosette of heart-shaped leaves that are glossy green on the top surface, often with slightly reddish undersides. These leaves are typically broad and have subtly wavy margins, giving the plant a delicate appearance as it floats. In favorable conditions, it produces small, pretty, white flowers, each with three petals and a yellow center, resembling tiny water lilies. The flowers rise slightly above the water on slender stalks. The roots of frogbit dangle beneath the rosette in the water but do not anchor the plant to the bottom; instead, the plant drifts with the movement of the water. The plant reproduces both through flowering and by sending out runners that form new plantlets, creating a carpet-like effect on the water surface.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrocharitaceae.
Synonyms
European Frog's-bit, Frogbit, Frog's-bit.
Common names
Stratiotes morsus-ranae, Anacharis alsinastrum, Anacharis morsus-ranae, Hydrocharis alsinastrum, Limnobium morsus-ranae.
ToxicityTo humans
Frogbit is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is limited information about its toxicity as it is not commonly ingested. If you suspect poisoning from any plant ingestion, seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
Frogbit is not known to be toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in significant quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea in animals. If you suspect your pet is suffering from plant poisoning, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Frogbit provides a habitat for a variety of aquatic wildlife, including invertebrates and amphibians, which use the plant for shelter and breeding grounds.
- Water Quality: By absorbing nutrients from the water, frogbit can help reduce the levels of nitrates and phosphates, which in excess can lead to algae blooms.
- Aesthetic Value: Frogbit has attractive floating leaves and white flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of ponds and water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of floating plants like frogbit can help stabilize banks and shorelines, reducing erosion in water bodies.
- Oxygenation: Through the process of photosynthesis, frogbit contributes to oxygenating the water, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Food Source: Some animals, such as ducks and other waterfowl, feed on frogbit, making it an important part of their diet and local ecosystems.
- Shade Provider: The leaves of frogbit create shade on the water surface, which can help moderate water temperatures and protect aquatic life from direct sunlight.
- Biological Control: By providing cover, frogbit can help control mosquito populations by making it difficult for them to access water to lay eggs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The European Frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) is sometimes used as a decorative floating plant in water gardens and koi ponds, creating a natural habitat for aquatic creatures.
- The dense mats formed by the European Frog-bit can serve as a spawning area for fish and provide a secure place for laying eggs.
- It can be utilized in controlled environments for educational purposes, demonstrating plant life cycles and pond ecosystem interactions to students.
- The European Frog-bit's root system can provide a microhabitat for invertebrates, creating a food source for fish and other aquatic animals.
- Biomass from dense growth of the plant can be composted and used as a soil improver for terrestrial gardening, enriching soil structure and fertility.
- Fibers from the European Frog-bit might have potential use in the production of handcrafted papers or natural weavings, though this is not a commonly practiced application.
- As a subject for scientific research, the European Frog-bit can be studied for its invasive behavior and strategies for managing its spread in non-native environments.
- The plant can be a component in natural wastewater treatment systems, absorbing nutrients and pollutants from the water, although this requires careful management.
- In aquarium settings, the European Frog-bit can reduce light levels, helping to control algae growth by providing shade.
- The plant can sometimes be used in cooking demonstrations or experimental gastronomy to showcase edible native plants, although it's not commonly consumed.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Frogbit is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Frogbit is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, commonly known as Frogbit, thrives in various aquatic environments, symbolizing the ability to adapt to changing situations.
- Freedom: Frogbit floats freely on the water's surface, representing the concept of freedom and a carefree spirit.
- Purity: The clean, white flowers of Frogbit can signify purity and the clearing of negative energy.
- Peace: The calm way Frogbit occupies the water surface is often associated with peace and tranquility.
- Balance: Frogbit's lifestyle, partially submerged and partially above water, can symbolize the balance between emotions (water) and the conscious mind (air).
WaterThe European Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) should be provided enough water to keep its aquatic environment fully saturated, as it is an aquatic plant. Typically, in a pond or aquarium setting, it does not require traditional watering like terrestrial plants. Instead, the water level should be maintained to ensure the frogbit's roots are always submerged. The amount of water will vary based on the size of the pond or aquarium. For example, in a small 10-gallon aquarium, topping off with a few gallons every week to account for evaporation could be sufficient, while larger ponds may need more frequent checks and adjustments to maintain a consistent water level.
LightEuropean Frogbit prefers bright, indirect light, or dappled sunlight. It thrives in partial shade and should be placed in a location that mimics its natural habitat, such as under the open sky but shielded from direct, intense sunlight. Avoid placing European Frogbit under constant, strong, direct sunlight as it may cause the leaves to scorch.
TemperatureEuropean Frogbit thrives best in temperatures between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as near freezing but should not be subjected to prolonged periods of frost. The ideal conditions for European Frogbit would include warm summer temperatures that do not exceed the mids 70s for optimal growth and health.
PruningPruning European Frogbit involves removing any yellow or decaying leaves to maintain plant health and prevent rot. Pruning should be done as needed when signs of deteriorating plant material are visible, ideally during the growing season. The best time for larger pruning efforts is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, which allows it to recover and regrow more quickly.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFrogbit prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter and should be planted in loamy, fertile substrates. A mix of loam and well-rotted compost or peat works well for optimal growth. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for the healthiest plant development.
RepottingFrogbit typically does not require repotting as it is an aquatic plant that spreads across water surfaces. Instead, it may need thinning out when it becomes too dense. Ensure that any containers or ponds it inhabits allow room for growth and spread.
Humidity & MistingFrogbit thrives in high humidity environments, as it is a floating aquatic plant that naturally grows on the surface of still or slow-moving freshwater bodies. The humidity level above the water surface should be as high as the natural habitat, which can be nearly 100%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep frogbit in water bowls with full sun.
Outdoor
Grow in ponds or water gardens in full sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHydrocharis morsus-ranae, commonly known as Frogbit, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which germinates in spring when water temperatures rise. The germinated seed grows into a floating rosette of heart-shaped leaves, connected by spongy petioles that aid in buoyancy. Frogbit reproduces both vegetatively and sexually; vegetatively through stolons that extend from the parent plant to form daughter plants, and sexually by producing small white flowers that lead to the formation of seeds after pollination. After flowering in the summer, the plant produces seeds that sink to the bottom of the water body and enter a period of dormancy. As autumn approaches, the foliage dies back and the plant relies on its overwintering buds, also known as turions, which detach and sink to the bottom to survive the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures, these turions float back to the surface, giving rise to new plants and completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) is by offset division. This natural process occurs when the plant produces little buds known as daughter plants that grow on stolons extending from the mother plant. These daughter plants eventually develop their own root systems. To propagate, one can wait until the daughter plants have established a small root system, then gently separate them from the mother plant, ensuring that each one retains some roots. These can be floated in the same pond or a new water body where they will quickly establish themselves, typically during the late spring to summer when the water temperatures are favorable. This straightforward approach allows for rapid increase in numbers without much effort beyond providing an appropriate aquatic environment for the new plants.
