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 must ensure that the fast-growing plant does not multiply too much.

The water hyacinth in the pond needs little attention

What water quality does the water hyacinth need?

The water in the pond or aquarium must be very rich in nutrients. The pH should be between 6 and 8. If the plants are not growing properly, you should check the water quality and take appropriate measures.

Is fertilizing necessary?

Since the water hyacinth only grows in the garden pond from May to October, fertilization is usually not necessary. In most cases, sufficient nutrients are obtained from falling leaves or fish excretions.

In the aquarium you must give a commercially available aquatic plant fertilizer at regular intervals. This also applies if you overwinter the plant indoors.

Can water hyacinths be transplanted?

You can easily transplant water hyacinths:

  • Get out of the water
  • Keep moist for transport
  • Place on the water at the desired location

A new location that satisfies all the needs of the plant is important for successful implementation.

When and how should water hyacinths be pruned?

Water hyacinths can overgrow an entire pond with their offshoots in a short time. Fish and other plants then no longer get any oxygen.

Therefore, regularly fish daughter rosettes out of the water and dispose of them in the compost.

Pruning is not necessary as the rosettes can be easily detached from the mother plant.

Are there any diseases or pests to watch out for?

There are almost no diseases or pests that bother the water hyacinth. If the leaves turn pale, it is usually due to a lack of nutrients.

Water hyacinths rarely bloom in the garden pond. This is not due to diseases or pests, but is due to low humidity.

How are water hyacinths overwintered?

Water hyacinths are not hardy. They must be overwintered indoors in an aquarium or other suitable vessel.

Overwintering is very time-consuming and rarely worthwhile, since new plants can be bought cheaply.

tips and tricks

Water hyacinths have an extremely high nutrient requirement. The rapidly multiplying aquatic plant is therefore often used to clean water bodies contaminated with heavy metals.

Category:

Vegetable garden