As one of the world's most valued aquatic plants, the water hyacinth scores with lush flowers and a seductive scent. The following answers to frequently asked questions show how the tropical floating plant thrives in the pond, the aquarium and even in a glass vase.

The water hyacinth likes it sunny

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant water hyacinth properly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. When is flowering time?
  7. Cut water hyacinth properly
  8. Fertilize water hyacinth properly
  9. hibernate
  10. Propagating water hyacinth
  11. How do I plant correctly?
  12. Water hyacinth in pot
  13. Water hyacinth does not bloom
  14. Yellow leaves
  15. How do I care for the water hyacinth in the aquarium?

    16. Plant water hyacinth properly

    To plant the water hyacinth in the pond, place the young rosette on the water surface from mid-May. So that the floating plant stays in the 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.
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    care tips

    The closer the site conditions are to a tropical climate, the easier it is to care for. All essential measures at a glance:

    • Fertilize with a special fertilizer for aquatic plants only if there are signs of deficiency, such as yellow leaves
    • Thin out the floating plant if necessary
    • Illuminate with plant lamps indoors when there is a lack of light

    If the temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius in autumn, put the water hyacinth in. A 40-50 cm deep pot with a 2-3 cm 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 to be put back into the pond in May.
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    Which location is suitable?

    In order for the water hyacinth to stage a paradisiacal ambience in your private water world, the following site conditions are relevant:

    • Full sun to sunny position
    • Warm and protected
    • Air and water temperatures of an ideal 20 to 28 degrees Celsius

    The garden pond is therefore just as suitable as a location, as is the mini pond on the terrace or in the conservatory. The large, open-topped aquarium on the sunny square is considered a premium location.

    The right planting distance

    In order for the water hyacinth to develop its opulent beauty to perfection, a maximum of 2 to 3 specimens are planted per square meter of water surface. In this context, please note an ideal water depth of 30 to 50 cm.

    What soil does the plant need?

    For a floating plant, the water acts as a substrate. The richer the nutrient content, the more luxuriant the growth and the more magnificent the flowering. A pH value of 6 to 8 is also advantageous, so that captured rain is just as suitable for cultivation as tap water with a soft to medium degree of 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 individual, light-violet flowers are the center of attention from July to October. The splendor is stabilized by inflated petioles that float in the water and roots that are up to 40 cm long.
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    Cut water hyacinth properly

    Since water hyacinth tends to overgrow, thin out the plant if necessary. This can easily be done by hand, as the spurs or daughter rosettes can be easily broken off. Disposed of on 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, as it ensures crystal-clear water due to its high nutrient consumption. The larger the body of water, the less fertilizer is required. In the mini pond, the aquarium or the glass vase, however, the floating plant quickly suffers from deficiency symptoms. Therefore, under these growing conditions, fertilize from May to September with a special fertilizer for pond plants in liquid form.

    hibernate

    Native to the waters of the tropics, the water hyacinth already gives up at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. In autumn, the floating plant therefore moves in good time to a warm winter quarters, where a bright stand is available. Ideally, an open-topped aquarium accommodates the plant. Alternatively, fill a 40-50 cm deep container with a 2-3 cm high substrate layer and a sufficient amount of low-lime, warm water. This is how winter care works:

    • Install a plant lamp (€21.99) above the overwintering vessel in the dark location
    • Keep the water and ambient temperature constant at 18 degrees Celsius and higher
    • Give a special liquid fertilizer for aquatic plants
    • Put the overwintered plant in the pond from mid-May

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    Propagating water hyacinth

    The water hyacinth itself provides a wealth of suitable material for propagation. Numerous runners develop during 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 plant correctly?

    A change of location is possible for a water hyacinth at any time, as long as the fundamental conditions are met at the new location. Get the plant out of the water with your hands or a net. For a longer transport distance, place the floating plant in a sufficiently large container with water. At the new location, place the flower on the water surface - done.

    Water hyacinth in pot

    As a tropical floating plant, the cultivation of a water hyacinth in a pot with normal soil usually does not succeed. If, on the other hand, you use a bucket without an opening in the bottom, which is filled with nutrient-rich, low-lime and warm water and a thin layer of substrate, the plan can succeed. With a transparent vessel, such as a glass vase, you stage a captivating eye-catcher on the sunny windowsill.

    Water hyacinth does not bloom

    If the water hyacinth in the pond is not blooming, there is a lack of sufficient sunlight. If the summer comes with wet, cold, cloudy weather, you look in vain for the blue-violet flowers. If the floating plant in the aquarium refuses to flower, you still have the option of providing artificial sunlight with the help of 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
    • Too cold or too hard water
    • nutrient deficiency

    If location deficiencies can be ruled out as the cause, apply 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 given as well as a sunny location. If you prefer to use soft, warm water, the floating plant will feel right at home. In the tightly limited volume of an aquarium, the heavy feeder quickly used up the available nutrients. Regular fertilizing is therefore essential. In addition, the rapid growth should be kept under control by regularly thinning out.
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Vegetable garden