Pontederia crassipes
Water hyacinth · Common Water Hyacinth · Floating water-hyacinth · Aquatic hyacinth · ইয়ারুল
Description
Source: leafsnapPontederia crassipes, commonly known as common water hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. It is the sole species of Pontederia subg. Oshunae.
🌳 Water hyacinth has been used in a variety of inventive ways despite its reputation as an invasive species. Unexpectedly, its fibrous structure shows promise for furniture manufacturing, potentially being turned into an eco-friendly material for producing panels and upholstery. Moreover, because of its high protein content and rapid growth, water hyacinth could be a potential alternative for animal feed, helping to meet nutritional needs in a sustainable way.
🎭 Lighthearted, Charm
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Water hyacinth does best with abundant sunlight, though it can tolerate dimmer conditions. This characteristic reflects its natural environment, where the plant grows beneath open skies. Very strong sunlight can speed up its growth and promote invasive behavior, while lower light levels may slow its development.
🌡️ Temperature 20–41.1°C
Water hyacinth originates from tropical and subtropical areas, where temperatures range from 20 ℃ to 41 ℃ (68 ℉ to 106 ℉). It thrives in warm water and prefers temperatures of 25 ℃ to 30 ℃ (77 ℉ to 86 ℉). In cooler regions, maintaining the water temperature above 20 ℃ (68 ℉) can aid its growth.
💨 Humidity high (>60%)
This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Annual
- Genus
- Pontederia
- Family
- Pontederiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-13
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 23 cm
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender
- Flower Size
- 3.56 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- Brazil