Water Hyacinth Care

Needless to say, the easiest to grow and maintain aquatic plant is the water hyacinth. There are seven varieties of water hyacinth, all belonging to the genus Eichhornia of the family Pontederiaceae. The leaves are glossy, green, large and ovate shaped with a spongy petiole at their base. And below the water surface, a highly branched, purple colored fibrous root system is present. Based on the species, spectacular lavender or light blue flowers in groups of 8-15 are borne in a single spike inflorescence.

Being considered as an invasive aquatic plant, not many hobbyists prefer growing water hyacinth in their ponds and rock gardens. But, what we do not know is that they are the best aquatic plant species for phytoremediation or natural treatment of polluted water. So, you can imagine how easy it is to take care of a water hyacinth. It improves the water quality by removing organic nutrients and limiting algal growth. In home ponds, water hyacinth care involves controlling excess production of stolons and seeds.

How to Take Care of Water Hyacinth

With the rising interest in water gardening, this aquatic plant is now sold as a special ornamental flower to grow in home ponds. In case you are planning to include this spongy floating aquatic plant in landscaping, how to grow water hyacinths is not an issue. They thrive well in any type of freshwater body such as a pond, stream or lake, provided that the water temperature is not too low or too high. Mentioned below are the tips to take care of water hyacinths:

Trim the Roots: You can purchase water hyacinth plants from your local nursery. Prior to introducing them in a home pond, remove the yellow and dead leaves (if any). You can also trim off the fibrous roots to a length of approximately 2 inches. This will promote new growth of roots and shoots. Once the water hyacinth plants are established, you can trim them every alternate week.

Use a Pond Skimmer: After growing water hyacinths in a garden pond, allow them to cover one-third of the pond surface. By doing so, you are providing a good habitat for the pond fish and other aquatic plants as well. In case of overgrowth, a pond skimmer is the best alternative to remove excess water hyacinth plants. You can use the cut leaves and roots to make organic fertilizers.

Check Excessive Growth: The common water hyacinth species (scientific name, Eichhornia crassipes) is known to increase its population size within 14 days. This is the same case with other varieties of water hyacinth too. And excess growth of these plants can lead to suffocation of fish and other pond inhabitants. Hence, make sure that you keep an eye over the excess spreading of water hyacinth plants.

Avoid Algae Killers: Occasionally, water hyacinth leaves turn yellow in mid summer. Under such a condition, use a mild, fish-safe, organic fertilizer in an appropriate concentration. Within a few days, you will notice new healthy leaves developing from the plants. Never indulge in using algae killers and/or other chemicals, as they disturb the water chemistry of the pond.

Water Hyacinth Winter Care: It is not unusual to notice water hyacinth leaves turning yellow and/or dying during cold winter months, particularly when the temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid such a case, you can isolate some of the water hyacinth plants in an aquarium before winter arrives. Any freshwater aquarium with at least 6 inches of water is ideal to maintain water hyacinth plants.

This was an overview on water hyacinth care and maintenance. If controlled properly, water hyacinths can add a unique touch to your landscape design. The only challenges are trimming the plants regularly and winter care. With these useful tips, I hope, how to care for a rock pond water hyacinth plant is not a subject of concern for you.