Water hyacinths are very robust aquatic plants - provided the conditions such as water quality, temperature and light are right. The water hyacinth does not need much care. Above all, you have to make sure that the fast-growing plant does not multiply too much.
How do you properly care for water hyacinths?
Caring for water hyacinths includes controlling water quality (pH 6-8), temperature, light and, if necessary, fertilization. Regular removal of daughter rosettes prevents the pond or aquarium from overgrowing. Water hyacinths are not hardy and must be kept indoors over the winter.
What water quality does the water hyacinth need?
The water in the pond or aquarium must be very nutrient-rich. The pH value should be between 6 and 8. If the plants are not growing properly, you should check the water quality and take appropriate measures.
Is fertilization necessary?
Since the water hyacinth only grows in the garden pond from May to October, fertilization is usually not necessary. Usually enough nutrients come from falling leaves or the excretions of fish.
In the aquarium you must give a commercially available aquatic plant fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon) at regular intervals. This also applies if you overwinter the plant indoors.
Can water hyacinths be transplanted?
You can easily transplant water hyacinths:
- Getting out of the water
- Keep moist for transport
- Place on the water at the desired location
Important for successful implementation is a new location that satisfies all of the plant's needs.
When and how do water hyacinths need to be cut?
Water hyacinths and their offshoots can overgrow an entire pond in a short time. Fish and other plants then no longer receive oxygen.
You should therefore regularly fish daughter rosettes out of the water and dispose of them in the compost.
Cutting is not necessary as the rosettes can be easily separated from the mother plant.
Are there any diseases or pests to watch out for?
There are almost no diseases or pests that affect the water hyacinth. If the leaves turn pale, a lack of nutrients is usually responsible.
Water hyacinths rarely bloom in garden ponds. This is not due to diseases or pests, but rather due to low humidity.
How are water hyacinths overwintered?
Water hyacinths are not hardy. They must be overwintered indoors in an aquarium or another suitable container.
Overwintering is very time-consuming and is rarely worthwhile, as new plants can be bought cheaply.
Tips & Tricks
Water hyacinths have an extremely high nutrient requirement. The aquatic plant, which reproduces rapidly, is therefore often used to clean waters contaminated with heavy metals.
