Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – The Beautiful Floating Purifier for Ponds & Aquariums Product Name: Water Hyacinth – Live Floating Plant Difficulty Level: Easy Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade Growth Rate: Fast Placement: Surface Floating CO2: Not Required Why Choose Water Hyacinth? ✔ Stunning Purple Flowers – Adds tropical beauty to any water feature ✔ Natural Water Filter – Absorbs excess nutrients (nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals) ✔ Provides Shade – Reduces algae growth by limiting sunlight ✔ Oxygenates Water – Supports fish and aquatic life ✔ Shelter for Fish – Roots provide hiding spots for fry and small fish Ideal For: Outdoor ponds Large aquariums Water gardens Natural filtration systems Plant Description Water Hyacinth is a free-floating perennial with thick, glossy leaves and showy lavender-blue flowers. Its long, feathery roots dangle beneath, creating a natural refuge for aquatic life. Key Features: Leaf Size: 4–8 inches across Root Length: 6–12 inches (or longer in nutrient-rich water) Flowers: Purple with yellow accents (blooms in warm months) Growth Rate: Rapid in summer Care & Maintenance Guide 🌿 Planting Instructions Simply place on the water’s surface (no substrate needed). Space plants 12–18 inches apart (they multiply quickly!). Trim roots if they become too dense. ☀️ Optimal Growing Conditions Factor Requirement Light Full sun to partial shade Temperature 70–95°F (21–35°C) pH 6.0–8.0 Winter Care Not frost-hardy (bring indoors or treat as annual) ⚠️ Important Notes Check local regulations – Invasive in some areas (requires containment in ponds). Control growth – Remove excess plants weekly to prevent overgrowth. Fertilizer? Not needed – thrives on pond nutrients. Benefits for Your Pond/Aquarium ✅ Natural Filtration: Cleans water by absorbing pollutants ✅ Algae Control: Blocks sunlight to limit algae blooms ✅ Aesthetic Appeal: Beautiful flowers enhance water gardens ✅ Wildlife Habitat: Supports frogs, dragonflies, and fish Controlling Growth (It Spreads Fast!) While beneficial, Water Hyacinth can overwhelm small ponds. Manage it by: Regular Harvesting: Remove 1/3 of plants weekly Containment: Use floating plant corrals Composting: Excess plants make great fertilizer Pro Tip: 💡 In colder climates, overwinter 1-2 plants indoors in a tub with grow lights. Compatibility & Wildlife ✔ Great With: Koi & goldfish (may nibble roots) Mosquito fish (loves the cover) Turtles (floating basking spots) ❌ Avoid If: You have a very small aquarium (needs space) Your area prohibits it (check local laws)