What Does Duckweed Need To Survive? Let’s Find Out

Duckweed is a popular plant used by fish farmers to cut down on the amount they spend on fish feed. However, for duckweed to grow fast, it needs certain environmental conditions. In this article, we will explore what duckweed needs to survive whether in a container or in catfish ponds.

What Does Duckweed Need To Survive?

Duckweed is a very adaptable plant, but there are some basic requirements for it to survive. They include:

Water

Water is the most important requirement for duckweed survival. As an aquatic plant, duckweed relies on water to provide support, and transport nutrients, and dissolved gases. Therefore, the water that hosts duckweed should be clean, fresh, and free from pollutants.

Duckweed can grow in various types of water bodies, including freshwater, brackish, and slightly saline waters, as long as the water is still or has minimal water movement.

In addition, duckweed is sensitive to changes in water quality, such as pH, temperature, and oxygen content. Therefore, the water that hosts duckweed should be monitored regularly for changes in these parameters.

Oxygen

Like all plants, duckweed requires oxygen for respiration. The plants should be grown in well-aerated water to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen.

Overall, duckweed is a tiny plant that can survive in a wide range of environmental conditions but mostly requires good sunlight and a nutrient-rich environment to thrive.

Sunlight

Like all plants, duckweed requires sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

The glucose is used by the plant for energy and growth, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to grow and reproduce. However, too much sunlight can damage the plant by causing it to overheat and dry out. Therefore, it is recommended to grow duckweed in a partially shaded area, such as under a tree or near a shade cloth.

Nutrients

Duckweed requires nutrients to grow and reproduce. The two most important nutrients for duckweed are nitrogen and phosphorus.  Nitrogen is a macronutrient that is essential for plant growth, while phosphorus is required for energy transfer and cell division.

The aquatic plant obtains these nutrients from the water in which it grows. However, excessive nutrient levels in the water can cause algae blooms and eutrophication, which can harm the plant and the surrounding ecosystem.

Therefore, it is important to monitor the nutrient levels in the water and add organic manure such as chicken droppings only when necessary.

Good Temperature

Duckweed can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 10-35°C. However, it grows best in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C) for best growth.

Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis, respiration, and growth of the plant. Therefore, fluctuations in temperature can affect the plant’s health and productivity.

In addition, extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, can stress the plant and cause damage. Therefore, it is recommended to grow duckweed in a stable environment with minimal temperature fluctuation

Carbon Dioxide

Like other plants, duckweed requires carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which is used to create energy and oxygen.

Protection from Herbivores

Duckweed is a food source for many aquatic animals and therefore needs protection from herbivorous animals.

Summary

Duckweed requires a suitable environment with adequate sunlight, nutrients, water, temperature, carbon dioxide, and pH levels to thrive and survive.

Remember that you can grow duckweed in fish pond depending on how many you have. You can also grow duckweed for your catfish to reduce the cost of feeding.