Water Hyacinth care guide
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) — high light, 20-30 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic plant of the family Pontederiaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Large floating plant with bulbous leaf bases and showy purple flowers. Excellent nutrient remover for sumps and outdoor ponds; invasive in many warm climates — release responsibly.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pontederiaceae
- Genus: Eichhornia
- Scientific name: Eichhornia crassipes
- Common synonyms: Pontederia crassipes
Habitat
Eichhornia is a genus of free-floating plants (Pontederiaceae) native to the Neotropics, including the water hyacinth, one of the world's most aggressive invasive aquatic weeds in warm climates. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-30 °C (68-86 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 4-16 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A floating plant whose rosette of swollen, buoyant petioles sits at the surface; long feathery roots provide cover and absorb nutrients. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Propagated by stolons that bud off daughter rosettes, allowing colonies to double rapidly under warm, nutrient-rich conditions. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Rapid surface coverage shades plants below and can block gas exchange; surplus rosettes must be removed regularly and never released to natural waters.