Water Hyacinth

Eichhornia crassipesPhoto © Animal-World

   The Water Hyacinth is typically a floating pond plant, but can be successfully kept in the aquarium!

The Water Hyacinth is a beautiful plant. It has glossy green leaves and lavender blue flowers. The submerged roots are long and hairy and chocolatey brown. They serve as an excellent hiding place and spawning location for many fish.

When kept in an aquarium, the Water Hyacinth will gradually cover the aquarium surface with its offspring. It will grow to about four inches high, with the occasional 6 inch flower spike. It is generally easy to keep, but will often hog nutrients and light, so is best kept either isolated from submerged plants below or in its own aquarium.

Water Hyacinths require a lot of light, but can't be too close to the light source. The aquarium will usually need to be uncovered, but alternatively shallow water can be used. Also damp warm air is necessary for optimal growth. Although it is highly decorative, it tends to complicate tank maintenance.

Extra care needs to be taken that the Water Hyacinth is never released into the wild, because it can clog waterways. It is on the invasive species list of many countries.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium

Distribution:

   Originally the Water Hyacinth is from the tropics of the Americas, but it has been released into many regions. It is on the invasive species list of many countries.

Water conditions:

   Temperature: 68 - 86° F (20 - 30 ° C)
   pH: 6.0 - 8.0
   dGH: 2-12

Lighting:

  Daylight is ideal, otherwise bright (approximately 50 watts per 25 gallons)

Propagation:

   They propagate by producing runners which make daughter plants

Availability:

   The water hyacinth is sometimes sold at aquarium shops, but more often available from pond plant dealers.

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