You will receive: 1 plant, ready for planting — freshly delivered from the nursery.

✅ Level: Beginner — Stratiotes Aloides is an easy, native floating plant for the pond.

Stratiotes Aloides, also known as Water Soldier, is a native European floating plant with spiky, sword-shaped leaves reminiscent of a crab. The plant floats freely on the water surface and sinks to the bottom in winter — a unique characteristic of this species. Excellent for improving water quality and as a hiding place for fish and amphibians.

🌿 Plant specifications

🚚 Delivery & warranty

• Freshly delivered from the nursery — ready for planting
• Shipping Tuesday or Friday → Read more about shipping
• Delivery with track & trace, usually within 1–2 business days
• Received dead? We'll solve this together. Contact us within 24 hours of receipt with a photo.
• Free shipping from €59,-

✂️ Care

Place the Water Soldier freely on the water surface — the plant floats naturally and spreads via runners. In winter, the plant sinks to the bottom and overwinters as a turion (winter bud). In spring, it floats back up by itself. No further care needed.

💡 Planter's tip

Ideal for a natural pond — the Water Soldier provides excellent hiding places for tadpoles, salamanders, and small fish. Combines beautifully with other native aquatic plants such as Water Lily or Yellow Pond Lily for an ecologically responsible pond.

❓ Frequently asked questions

My plant is sinking — is that normal?
Yes, Stratiotes Aloides sinks to the bottom in autumn and overwinters as a turion. In spring, it floats back up by itself.

Is the plant winter hardy?
Yes, completely winter hardy in the Netherlands.

Does the plant spread quickly?
The plant spreads via runners and can grow quickly in a nutrient-rich pond. Remove excess plants to prevent overgrowth.