The Waterwheel plant is the most widely distributed carnivorous plant species, native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is, however, rare in all of its range. Aldrovanda is spread mainly through the movement of waterfowl.

Aldrovanda prefer clean, shallow, warm standing water with bright light, low nutrient levels and a slightly acidic pH (around 6). It can be found floating amongst Juncus, reeds, and even rice.

Photo by Jeremiah Harris, Plant grown by Meadowview Biological Research Station