Amazon Frogbit Care: Growth, Light, Tank Mates & Maintenance
Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is one of the most popular floating plants for freshwater aquariums. With its round, lily pad-like leaves and long trailing roots, it adds a natural and peaceful look to your tank. It’s beginner-friendly, grows quickly, and helps absorb extra nutrients that would otherwise feed algae.
In this care guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow and manage Amazon Frogbit in your aquarium—from lighting and trimming to tank mate compatibility.Read our full Floating Aquarium Plants for Beginners guide to discover other easy floaters.
What Is Amazon Frogbit?
Amazon Frogbit is a floating plant native to Central and South America. It grows broad, waxy leaves that float at the water’s surface and produces long roots that dangle into the water column.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Limnobium laevigatum
- Light Requirement: Moderate to high
- CO2 Needed: No
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Placement: Surface only
- Ideal For: Shrimp tanks, community aquariums, and planted tanks
Why Choose Amazon Frogbit?
- Creates natural-looking shade for fish and invertebrates
- Absorbs excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates
- Helps control algae by reducing light and competing for nutrients
- Fish love swimming through the hanging roots
- Great for tanks with surface-dwelling species like gouramis or bettas
Tank Setup and Conditions
Lighting Needs
Amazon Frogbit does best under moderate to bright lighting. In low light, growth slows, and leaves may yellow or die off. For lush, green leaves:
- Use full-spectrum LED lights
- Avoid placing it directly under intense beams—spread the light evenly
- Watch for signs of too much heat (burnt leaf edges)
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
| Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderate |
Frogbit adapts to a wide range of water parameters, but clean, stable water is key to healthy growth.
Visit our Freshwater Tank Setup Guide for help with creating ideal conditions.
Growth & Maintenance
How Fast Does Frogbit Grow?
Under good lighting and stable water, Amazon Frogbit can double in size every 1–2 weeks. In nutrient-rich setups, it can quickly cover the surface—so regular maintenance is essential.
Maintenance Tips
- Thin weekly to prevent overgrowth
- Remove yellow or dying leaves promptly
- Watch your filter intake—roots can get sucked in
- Use floating rings to keep light available to bottom plants
Frogbit’s roots can grow long and messy if left unchecked. Trim back the roots if they’re blocking flow or crowding the tank.
Tank Mates for Amazon Frogbit
Frogbit pairs well with many freshwater fish and shrimp, especially those that enjoy shaded areas.
Good Tank Mates:
Avoid These:
- Goldfish or cichlids that might uproot or eat the plant
- Strong surface current fish that damage roots
- Aquariums with little surface space (Frogbit needs room to float freely)
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Leaves Turning Yellow or Melting
Cause: Poor lighting, low nutrients, or poor water quality
Fix: Improve lighting, dose liquid fertilizer occasionally, and do water changes
Problem: Roots Blocking Filters
Cause: Overgrowth
Fix: Trim roots or use floating rings to direct plant growth
Problem: Blocking Too Much Light Below
Cause: Surface fully covered
Fix: Remove excess Frogbit weekly, use a floating plant corral
Propagation
Amazon Frogbit reproduces by growing runners, which develop new plants at the ends. These can be:
- Left attached to form clusters
- Gently separated and placed elsewhere in the tank
- Grown in a separate tank or sold/given to other hobbyists
FAQ’S
Does Amazon Frogbit need fertilizer?
Not usually, but in low-nutrient tanks, a gentle liquid fertilizer can support healthy leaf growth.
Can I grow Amazon Frogbit in low light?
It will survive but may grow slowly and lose color. Moderate lighting gives the best results.
How do I stop Frogbit from taking over?
Thin it weekly and use floating rings to contain it.
Is it safe for betta tanks?
Yes! Betta fish love the shaded surface and root structure.Can I keep it with shrimp?
Absolutely. Shrimp love grazing on the biofilm that grows on its roots.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Frogbit is a simple yet beautiful plant that brings many benefits to your aquarium. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to a planted setup, its low-maintenance nature and quick growth make it a favorite among hobbyists.For more beginner-friendly floating plants, read our full guide: Floating Aquarium Plants for Beginners: Easy-to-Care Options
