Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – The Beautiful Floating Purifier for Ponds & Aquariums
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)
No Reviews added. Be the first one.