• Scientific name: Samolus valerandi
• Synonym: Samolus floribundus, Samolus parviflorus
• Common name: Water Cabbage
• Family: Primulaceae
• Group: Aquarium plants
• Max height: 6-12 cm
• Distribution: Worldwide
• Habitat: Marsh plant, found in moist and wet locations along the riverbanks, and in shallow waters.
• Substrate: Nutrient rich substrate
• Placement in aquarium: Foreground, midground
• Planting density: 1 plant for 40 cm²
• Lighting needs: Bright
• Temperature: 25-26 °C
• pH: 6-8
• Hardness: 4-30 NK°

Description: Samolus floribundus and Samolus parviflorus, which are sometimes mentioned in aquaristic literature, have to be classified as syninyms of Samolus valerandi, because the supposed differences in the size of the flowers and fruit can be explained by environmental factors, such as light, moisture of the soil and temperature. Samolus valerandi is an amphibious water plant that grows in the form of a rosette and really does resemble a small cabbage. The light green, tongue-shaped leaves are 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a raceme with tiny white flowers. Submerged however only adventitious plantlets are formed. In many places aquascapers grow it in an emersed state in pots of heavy soil containing a proportion of clay, and when fully grown, they transfer the plants to a well-lit position in the aquarium. Intense lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate, hard water as well as temperatures below 26 °C are recommended for optimum growth in the aquarium. The species displays a good tolerance of salt, it can be found in brackish waters too. Experiments showed that a salt concentration of 30 g/l, which corresponds to pure ocean water, can still be handled. In cotrast to the problematic maintenance in the aquarium, emersed culture in paludariums or on the edges of garden ponds are both very easy.

When grown emersed, it will flower freely and produce thousands of seeds that germinate readily in damp soil. The seedlings develop uickly and may be potted up after a few weeks. After seeding, the flower stems produce several adventitious plantlets, which may be separated and potted up. As a third method of propagation, simply divide adult plants into several pieces.