Water soldier Stratiotes aloides
ABOUT
Stratiotes aloides, commonly known as water soldier, is an aquatic plant that often gives the impression of a rosette of sword-like leaves floating on the surface of the water. The leaves are thick, rigid, and sharply pointed at the ends, resembling those of the terrestrial aloe plant. They are a vibrant green color and can have serrated edges, appearing as if they have been finely toothed with small spines or prickly barriers along the margins. The water soldier typically floats on the surface during the warmer months, anchored by hair-like roots that dangle in the water, and it may submerge itself in colder weather. The plant produces flowers, which are typically white with delicate petals that contrast against the toughness of its leaves. These blooms can be found standing above the surface of the water, presenting a small and soft show of color amongst the robust greenery. The overall appearance of water soldier is that of a robust and hardy aquatic plant, perfectly adapted to life floating on or just beneath the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters. The combination of its floating habit, its rosette formation, and the spiny, aloe-like foliage makes it quite distinctive and easy to recognize.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrocharitaceae.
Synonyms
Water Soldier, Water Pineapple, Water Aloe, Frog-bit.
Common names
Stratiotes aculeatus, Acorus aquaticus, Acorus aloides.
ToxicityTo humans
Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence that suggests ingesting this plant would result in poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, caution should be exercised since individual allergies or adverse reactions can occur. It's always best to avoid eating or handling unfamiliar plants, and definitely keep them away from children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
Just like for humans, Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) is not typically considered toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of poisoning from this plant in domestic animals. Nonetheless, pets, like humans, can have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions. To ensure the safety of your pets, it's advisable to prevent them from ingesting plants that are not part of their diet. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the water soldier and is showing symptoms of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Spread
3 feet [90 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife support: Water soldier provides habitat for aquatic organisms, offering both shelter and breeding grounds for invertebrates and amphibians.
- Water quality improvement: It helps to maintain clean water by absorbing excess nutrients, thereby reducing the growth of algae that can lead to eutrophication.
- Erosion control: The roots of water soldier help to stabilize the substrate at the bottom of the water body, which can prevent erosion and sediment disturbance.
- Oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, water soldier adds oxygen to the water, which is vital for aquatic life.
- Esthetic value: With its rosette of sword-like leaves that float on the surface of the water during the summer, water soldier provides a unique and striking visual appeal to ponds and water features.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial activity: Stratiotes aloides has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, potentially useful in fighting bacterial infections.
- Antioxidant properties: There may be components within the plant that exhibit antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize free radicals.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Soldier is often used as an ornamental plant in garden ponds and water features for its rosette-shaped foliage that can add aesthetic appeal to aquatic landscapes.
- In some regions, Water Soldier has been used as food for livestock, such as cows and pigs, when other forage is not available.
- Water Soldier can act as a habitat for aquatic life, providing a living space and breeding ground for a variety of insects and amphibians.
- The fibrous roots of Water Soldier are sometimes used in handcrafts for making small woven items similar to how other reed-like plants are used.
- Water Soldier's dense mats can provide erosion control in water bodies by minimizing the impacts of waves and water movement on shorelines.
- It has been used as a bioindicator species for monitoring water quality in freshwater ecosystems because it is sensitive to pollution.
- Fishermen have been known to use the thick mats formed by Water Soldier as natural fishing spots where fish may seek shelter and food.
- Water Soldier can sometimes be utilized in water-based cooling systems for its ability to spread out and cover the water surface, reducing the water's exposure to sunlight and thereby controlling temperature.
- Decomposed Water Soldier plants can contribute to the organic content of pond sediments, enriching the soil of aquatic environments for other plants.
- Water Soldier has been involved in the craft of natural dyeing, where its parts may be used to produce dyes for coloring fabrics or materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Water Soldier is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Water Soldier is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Defense: Stratiotes aloides, commonly known as water soldier, has a rosette of sharp, sword-like leaves that can deter predators, symbolizing protection and defense.
- Survival: As a plant that floats in the water for part of the year and then sinks to the bottom during the winter, it represents adaptability and survival in changing conditions.
- Resilience: Water soldier's ability to regulate buoyancy and re-emerge each spring makes it a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
- Warrior Spirit: Its common name, water soldier, and its aggressive growth pattern can symbolize a warrior spirit or fighting attitude.
WaterWater soldier, commonly known as Stratiotes aloides, is an aquatic plant that naturally grows in water, so conventional watering is not required. Instead, you need to ensure that it is placed in a body of water such as a pond or an aquarium setting. The amount of water is dictated by the size of your pond or tank—typically, it should be fully submerged. Since Water soldier is a floating plant, it regulates its moisture needs by itself. However, if the plant is grown in a container water garden, it’s crucial to maintain the water level to keep the roots submerged; this might involve adding several gallons per week during the hot season to compensate for evaporation.
LightWater soldier thrives best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, position this plant in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate light may lead to less vigorous growth so maximizing light exposure is key for the health and the flowering of Stratiotes aloides.
TemperatureThe Water soldier is a temperate plant and fares well in a broad range of temperatures, with an ideal range between 50°F and 77°F. Although it can survive temperatures down to 32°F, it may go dormant or die back if exposed to freezing conditions. In hot climates, Water soldier manages to withstand temperatures up to 86°F. The plant’s natural life cycle involves a period of dormancy, typically when water temperatures drop below 50°F.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for Water soldier as it manages its growth naturally. However, you may want to remove dead or dying foliage to maintain a neat appearance and to prevent the decay process from affecting the water quality. The best time to perform any pruning would be in the fall before the plant goes dormant or in early spring as new growth begins to appear.
CleaningNot needed
SoilWater soldiers require aquatic conditions and do best in a water-based environment rather than a traditional soil mix. They thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, which suits their natural habitat of calm freshwater bodies. An ideal setup involves planting them in pots with loamy pond soil and then submerging these in ponds or still water features.
RepottingWater soldiers, being aquatic plants, do not need traditional repotting. Instead, manage their spread by dividing large clumps every few years during the spring or summer to maintain vigor and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingWater soldiers are best suited for high humidity conditions, as they are naturally aquatic plants. They flourish when kept in water, so atmospheric humidity levels are somewhat irrelevant to their care.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Cannot grow indoors; Water soldiers are pond plants.
Outdoor
Place in still or slow-moving water in sun or partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as water soldier, Stratiotes aloides begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate underwater in late spring. The seedlings grow into rosettes of stiff, sword-like leaves that acquire buoyancy and float to the surface during summer. Throughout the summer months, water soldiers may produce white, three-petaled flowers, leading to cross-pollination mainly by insects. After flowering and pollination, fruits develop underwater. In autumn, water soldiers lose buoyancy and the plants sink to the bottom of the water body, where they overwinter in a dormant state. Come spring, the cycle restarts as these plants rise again towards the surface to repeat the process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Stratiotes aloides, commonly known as water soldier, propagates primarily through vegetative means. The most popular method of propagation for water soldier is by division, which generally takes place in the spring or early summer when the plant growth is most active. To propagate by division, a healthy, mature plant is gently taken from the water and the rosettes with roots are carefully separated. Each separated rosette with accompanying roots is then replanted in suitable aquatic soil in a container if not being directly placed in a pond or water body. The containers are then submerged to the appropriate depth where the water soldier can continue to grow and spread. This method is effective as it typically ensures a good survival rate and quick establishment of new plants.