Water hyacinths are not hardy. They are only kept in the garden pond from May to October. They then need to be cared for indoors at high temperatures and lots of light. This is how you overwinter South American aquatic plants.
How to overwinter a water hyacinth?
In order to overwinter a water hyacinth successfully, it should be removed from the garden pond from October and placed in a clean warm water aquarium or glass vessel with a layer of soil and sufficient lighting. Regular fertilization and thinning of cuttings promotes he althy growth in the winter quarters. From the end of May the plant can be returned to the garden pond.
Bring it into the house in autumn
Even temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius cause problems for the water hyacinth. Fish them out of the pond with a landing net in October at the latest.
Prepare the wintering place
Prepare a place in the house for wintering:
- Cleaning a warm water aquarium or glass vessel
- Place in a warm place
- Apply a two centimeter layer of soil
- Run water
- Heat water to approx. 15 degrees
- Install lighting
If you don't have an aquarium, you can also use a deep water vessel like a bucket. The vessel should be 30 to 40 centimeters deep.
To set it up, you need a place where it is consistently warm. A warm winter garden is ideal, but if necessary the living room will also do.
Caring for water hyacinths during wintering
Water hyacinths need brightness when overwintering. Adjust a plant lamp (€79.00 on Amazon), the aquarium cover or another lighting source so that the plants receive twelve hours of light.
The nutrient requirements of water hyacinths are very high. It is not always covered by the layer of earth. Fertilize regularly according to the instructions with a commercially available fertilizer for aquatic plants. Thin out cuttings more often so that the water hyacinth has enough space.
From the end of May you can put the rosettes back in the garden pond.
Tips & Tricks
Overwintering the water hyacinth is comparatively complex. It's only worth it if you already have empty aquariums lying around. You can get new plants in spring from any well-stocked specialist retailer for little money.
