The water hyacinth is native to South America. There it thrives in lots of light, warmth and high luminous humidity. Since the aquatic plant is not hardy, it must be cared for indoors over the winter. What you can do to protect water hyacinths from frost.

The water hyacinth loves water temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees and is not hardy

High temperatures preferred

As a child of the south, the water hyacinth likes the sun, light and warmth. She prefers water temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees. If the air temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius, the aquatic plant stops growing.

That is why the water hyacinth is so susceptible to frost

The dark green leaves of the water hyacinth grow on a stalk that inflates like a balloon. It contains chambers filled with air, allowing the plant to float on the water's surface.

If the temperatures drop too much, the leaves will freeze, causing the plant to die.

Therefore, get water hyacinths out of the water in good time in autumn for overwintering.

Wintering in the house

Overwintering is not easy. You need either

  • a warm water aquarium,
  • a wide bowl of water
  • a 30 - 40 centimeter high vessel or
  • a paludarium (swamp aquarium)

The location is also important. It must be as consistently warm as possible, i.e. there must be no temperature fluctuations. A warm conservatory is well suited.

The light is also very important. The aquarium or water bowl must be illuminated for at least twelve hours, preferably more.

Water hyacinths overwinter

The bottom of the overwintering container is covered with a layer of soil. It should be loamy-humic to ensure the supply of nutrients.

Warm the water to at least 15 degrees before placing the water hyacinth on the water.

Set up additional lighting for water vessels. Special plant lamps are well suited. In aquariums, the aquarium lighting is adjusted accordingly.

Don't forget to fertilize

Like all non-hardy aquatic plants, water hyacinths continue to grow in the aquarium or a water bowl. They must also be fertilized, otherwise the plants will take care of themselves and eventually die.

tips and tricks

Even short frosts cause the water hyacinth to freeze to death. Even at the beginning of May, temperatures can occasionally still drop below zero. Therefore, never put water hyacinths in the garden pond before the end of May.

Category:

Vegetable garden