Eichhornia diversifolia Care Guide
Eichhornia diversifolia is a submersed American stem plant with fine ribbon-like leaves, suited to soft, bright, CO2-supplied tanks.
Overview
Eichhornia diversifolia, the variableleaf water hyacinth, is an aquatic plant of the family Pontederiaceae. It grows submersed or with floating leaves in tropical waters of Central and South America. In planted aquaria it is a classic fine-leaved background stem, prized for its delicate foliage but demanding strong light and CO2.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pontederiaceae
- Genus: Eichhornia
- Scientific name: Eichhornia diversifolia
- Common name: Variableleaf Water Hyacinth
Habitat
The species is native to tropical Central and South America, where it grows in standing and slow-flowing waters. It shows heterophylly: submerged leaves are long, thin and ribbon-like, while surface leaves are rounded and heart-shaped.
Appearance
In the submerged form grown in aquaria, the plant produces delicate, finely divided foliage on upright stems, giving an airy background texture. In shaded conditions the leaves tend to grow transparent and are shed quickly, so adequate light is essential.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- GH: 2–10 °dGH
- Lighting: high (at least about 0.75 W per litre)
- CO2: required for strong, robust stems
- Nutrients: nitrate ~5–20 mg/L, phosphate ~1–2 mg/L, plus iron and micronutrients
- Placement: background
It needs CO2 supplementation to form strong stems and sufficient nitrate and phosphate for health. To keep the dark green colour it requires generous iron and micronutrient dosing. It should never be placed in shade.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings: the top portion of a healthy stem is cut and replanted into the substrate, where it forms roots and continues to grow.