How Elodea Are Grown

Elodea are water weeds.

Elodea are water weeds native to North America. Elodea can survive as perennial plants rooted in the silt at the bottom of a waterway or floating loose on top of the water. They are oxygenating water plants, so they provide benefits to fish and other water creatures.

Growing Elodea

Elodea grows better in cooler waters, ideally below 70 degrees F. The plants can be rooted into pea gravel, soil or sand, as the roots are principally for anchoring the plant. This is a vigorous plant and can easily take over small ponds if not kept in check. Trim the tips back hard, if plant growth begins to choke other water plants or hinder the free swimming of fish.

Growing Elodea in Pots

Ideally, grow small pieces of rooted elodea in pots filled with garden soil. Cover the soil with small pebbles or rocks, which will ensure the earth stays inside the pot. Submerge the pots of elodea in around 2 to 3 feet of water.

Propagating Elodea

Cut about 2 inches from the tip of elodea plants; these small sections can be rooted into soil. Plant the elodea tips in pots of soil and submerge the pots fully. The elodea plants should root in a couple of weeks.

References

• Texas A&M University: Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences
• Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers: Elodea

Resources

• SLSS Biology Support Services: Question on growing Elodea