Turion duckweed: complete guide

Overview

Turion duckweed (Lemna turionifera), also known as red duckweed or perennial duckweed, is among the smallest aquatic plants in the world. The plant belongs to the Araceae family and grows naturally in Northern Europe, North America and Northern Asia.

The name 'turionifera' refers to the red 'turions' (winter buds) that this species forms as a survival strategy against freezing.

Appearance and blooms

Turion duckweed consists of very small, rounded-oval leaves (fronds) just a few millimeters in size. The green color is fresh green, with reddish tints during cold or stress.

The plant grows nearly at the water surface. In spring, it forms red, sinking winter buds (turions) that detach and sink to the bottom, where they survive winter.

The bloom is very inconspicuous and rarely observed in cultivation.

Ideal location

Turion duckweed thrives in full sun or light shade. Minimum 4-6 hours of sunlight daily is ideal for optimal growth and color.

Use this plant in garden ponds, fountain water, aquaria, or in water containers. Excellent as waterfowl feed and as a biological water filter.

Soil

Turion duckweed requires no traditional 'soil'; it floats at the water surface. Water should be moderately nutrient-rich to poor (pH 5.5-6.5). The plant grows in virtually all freshwater types.

Optimal: water of moderate hardness, weakly acidic to neutral.

Watering

The plant grows in water, so 'watering' is implicit. Keep the water clean and free of toxic substances. Water temperatures of 10-25C are ideal; extreme heat (>30C) and extreme cold (<5C) should be avoided.

The plant tolerates some pollution and will even help purify water.

Pruning

Pruning is not applicable. Thin the plant by regularly removing excess fronds, otherwise it will overgrow everything.

Maintenance calendar

March-May: Explosive growth; regularly thin by removing excess.

June-September: Normal growth; moderate maintenance.

October-February: Slowed growth; more turions form; minimal maintenance.

Winter hardiness

Turion duckweed is fairly winter-hardy in Europe down to zone 3 (USDA). The plant forms turions that sink and overwinter underground. In full winters it easily survives under ice.

Companion plants

Combine with other aquatic plants:

• Azolla
• Salvinia
• Other Lemna species
• Potamogeton
• Nymphaea (water lily)

Also suitable for co-habitat with fish and aquatic insects.

In closing

Turion duckweed is a fascinating, very tiny aquatic plant that requires virtually no maintenance. The plant grows rapidly, helps purify water and provides waterfowl feed.

Availability: Specialty water plant shops (Netherlands, Germany, France).

More information: gardenworld.app/en, gardenworld.app/nl