As one of the world's most valued aquatic plants, the water hyacinth impresses with its lush flowers and seductive scent. The following answers to frequently asked questions show how the tropical floating plant thrives wonderfully in the pond, the aquarium and even in a glass vase.
How do I care for a water hyacinth in a pond or aquarium?
The water hyacinth thrives best in full sun to sunny, warm and protected locations with water temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. A maximum of 2-3 plants should be used per square meter, ideally in a water depth of 30 to 50 cm.
Planting water hyacinth correctly
To plant the water hyacinth in the pond, place the young rosette on the water surface from mid-May. To ensure that the floating plant stays in its assigned place, it can be tied to a stone with a string. A plant density of a maximum of 3 specimens per square meter is completely sufficient.read more
Care tips
The closer the site conditions are to a tropical climate, the less complicated the care is. All essential measures at a glance:
- Fertilize with a special fertilizer for aquatic plants only if there are deficiency symptoms, such as yellow leaves
- If necessary, thin out the floating plant
- Illuminate indoors when there is a lack of light with plant lamps
If the temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius in autumn, put the water hyacinth away. A 40-50 cm deep pot with a 2-3 cm high layer of soil and warm, soft water is suitable as winter quarters. Placed in a bright place at 18 degrees Celsius and higher, the tropical floating plant survives the cold season and can be put back into the pond in May.read more
Which location is suitable?
So that the water hyacinth creates a paradisiacal ambience in your private water world, the following location conditions are relevant:
- Full sun to sunny location
- Warm and protected
- Air and water temperatures of ideal 20 to 28 degrees Celsius
The garden pond is just as suitable a location as the mini pond on the terrace or in the winter garden. The large, open-topped aquarium in the sunny spot is considered a premium location.
The correct planting distance
So that the water hyacinth can develop its opulent beauty to perfection, a maximum of 2 to 3 specimens are planted per square meter of water area. In this context, note an ideal water depth of 30 to 50 cm.
What soil does the plant need?
Water acts as a substrate for a floating plant. The richer the nutrient content, the more lush the growth and more magnificent the flowers. A pH value of 6 to 8 is also an advantage, so that captured rain is just as suitable for cultivation as tap water with a soft to medium hardness of 2 to 12 °dH. The water temperature should be between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius.
When is flowering time?
The impressive inflorescences with up to 30 light purple individual flowers stand out from July to October. The splendor is stabilized by inflated petioles that float in the water and roots up to 40 cm long.read more
Cut water hyacinth correctly
Since water hyacinth tends to overgrow, thin out the plant if necessary. This can be done very easily by hand, as the foothills orAllow daughter rosettes to break off easily. When disposed of in the compost, the plant material turns into valuable humus within a short time.
Fertilize water hyacinth properly
The water hyacinth is very popular as a pond plant because its high nutrient consumption ensures crystal-clear water. The larger the body of water, the less frequently fertilizer is required. In the mini pond, aquarium or glass vase, the floating plant quickly suffers from deficiency symptoms. Therefore, under these cultivation conditions, fertilize from May to September with a special fertilizer for pond plants in liquid form.
Wintering
Native to the waters of the tropics, the water hyacinth becomes limp at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. In autumn, the floating plant moves to warm winter quarters in good time, where a bright place to stand is available. Ideally, an open-topped aquarium will accommodate the plant. Alternatively, fill a 40-50 cm deep container with a 2-3 cm high layer of substrate and a sufficient amount of low-lime, warm water. This is how winter care works:
- In a dark location, install a plant lamp (€21.00 on Amazon) above the overwintering container
- Keep the water and ambient temperature constant at 18 degrees Celsius and higher
- Administer a special liquid fertilizer for aquatic plants
- Put the overwintered plant in the pond from mid-May
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Propagate water hyacinth
The water hyacinth itself provides a we alth of suitable material for propagation. Numerous runners develop over the course of the growing season from May to October. Simply separate the rosettes and place them in nutrient-rich, soft water at temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius.
How do I transplant correctly?
A change of location is possible for a water hyacinth at any time, as long as the fundamental conditions are met in the new location. Use your hands or a landing net to get the plant out of the water. For longer transport, place the floating plant in a sufficiently large container with water. At the new location, place the flower on the surface of the water - done.
Water hyacinth in pot
As a tropical floating plant, cultivating a water hyacinth in a pot with normal soil is usually not possible. However, if you use a bucket without a bottom opening that is filled with nutrient-rich, low-lime, warm water and a thin layer of substrate, the plan can succeed. With a transparent vessel, such as a glass vase, you create a captivating eye-catcher on the sunny windowsill.
Water hyacinth not blooming
If the water hyacinth in the pond does not bloom, it means there is a lack of sufficient sunlight. If summer comes with wet, cold, cloudy weather, you will look in vain for the blue-violet flowers. If the floating plant in the aquarium refuses to bloom, you still have the option of providing artificial sunlight using a special plant lamp.
Yellow leaves
If the shiny green leaves of a water hyacinth turn yellow, the following triggers cause the damage:
- Too shady location
- Water too cold or too hard
- Nutrient Deficiency
If location defects can be ruled out as the cause, administer a special fertilizer for aquatic plants according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How do I care for the water hyacinth in the aquarium?
With regard to the ideal conditions, the aquarium is the first choice for the location of a water hyacinth. A water depth of 30 to 50 cm should be provided, as should a sunny location. If you preferably use soft, warm water, the floating plant will feel right at home. In the limited volume of an aquarium, the heavy feeder quickly uses up available nutrients. Regular fertilization is therefore essential. In addition, rapid growth should be kept under control through regular thinning.read more
