Water hyacinths (Eichhornia) have little in common with the spring flower hyacinth (Hyacinthus). Only the blue flowers that the aquatic plants produce under good conditions are similar to those of the hyacinth.
How to plant water hyacinths correctly?
Water hyacinths are simply placed on the water and are ideal for nutrient-rich ponds. You should plant a maximum of three plants per two square meters of water area. Pay attention to direct sunlight, water temperatures from 18 degrees and high humidity.
Which location does the water hyacinth prefer?
Water hyacinths need a lot of space and special conditions to thrive. They can be kept in ponds and larger water tanks.
- Pond with direct sunlight
- Aquarium with additional lighting
- At least 18 degrees water temperature
- As high humidity as possible
What should the water quality be like?
The water hyacinth only grows in very nutrient-rich water. A pH value of 6 to 8 is ideal.
Many pond owners complain that their pond is too rich in nutrients. In such cases, water hyacinths are an ideal pond stock because they require so many nutrients.
When should the water hyacinth be planted?
The non-hardy water hyacinth is only allowed outside from May, when no more frost is to be expected.
The plants can be placed in the aquarium at any time.
How is the water hyacinth “planted”?
The little rosettes float on the water. The leaves are filled with air, which causes the plant to grow upwards. The roots can be up to 40 centimeters long. The water hyacinths anchor themselves with them.
Water hyacinths are simply placed on the water. In moving water, it can be useful to secure the plant with a thread so that it does not float to another place until the roots emerge.
What distance do water hyacinths need when planting?
Do not plant water hyacinths too close. A maximum of three plants should be planted per two square meters of water area.
When does the aquatic plant bloom?
The flowering period lasts from July to October. However, the water hyacinth rarely blooms in the pond because the water is not warm enough and the humidity is too low.
How is water hyacinth propagated?
Water hyacinths reproduce vegetatively via runners. The daughter rosettes become as large as the mother plant within a few days. They can be easily separated to create new plants.
Tips & Tricks
Water hyacinths are native to South America. There they spread so quickly that they not only hinder shipping but can also silt up entire ponds. When caring for water hyacinths, regular thinning is therefore very important.
