Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are truely an amazing species. They are extremely easy to grow. I have talked to a few people who have managed to let these plants not perform well or die, but it’s rare. They grow so well and so quickly that they cannot be shipped to 11 states. You can still have these plants in many of these states, just keep them in private waters. The trouble comes when plant loving people take the extras to waterways and release their excess into no native waterways. The good news, in more than 90% of the united states gets a hard freeze each year, one hard freeze zaps these wonderful plants and they will no longer be a problem. This means they are annuals and must be replaced each year. Not a problem for most as they cost about $2-$3 and if you buy in quantity, can be as low as $1.50 each.
These plants are amazing filters of the water, in Europe in fact huge vats and greenhouses of Hyacinths are used as primary water treatment tanks. They grow and multiply so quickly and absorb almost all nutrients in the water.
These plants like still water, they like to grow in clusters, do not break old foliage apart only new if you must. They enjoy sunshine but will do well in shade. Add them only after wether is warm, cold night will prohibit growth for up to 6 weeks and cause yellowing! They love nutrients, you can add a granular fertilizer like regular old miracle grow to a pond. Fish wont notice anything and plants will thrive. Add a few tablespoons per week anywhere in the pond, THERE IS “NOTHING” SPECIAL ABOUT POND PLANT FERTILIZER. (it will contain no iron but thats it, most fertilizers dont contain iron which is a cause of algae).
Below is how a water hyacinth looks normally upon arrive. If too tall it may lay on its side for a few days but all new growth will be upright.
KEEP AWAY FROM SPLASHING WATERFALLS AND FOUNTAINS! A wet plant is an unhappy plant, they need to exchange oxygen through the leaves and water inhibits this process.
This plant will prevent algae and keepwater crystal clear once 30-40% of the pond has coverage by plants (lilies, lettuce, or hyacinth).
The roots are a great place to hide from herons and raccoons. An all around wonderful plant.
Tags: aquatic plants, blue shell flower, Eichhornia crassipes, floating plants, Floating Pond Plants, pond, pond plants, water garden, water hyacinth, water hyacinths, water lettuce
December 30, 2008 at 12:24 AM |
I am a big fan of water hyacinth. I came across a large pond earlier this year (approximately 40 x 60 x 8) that was totally overtaken by the plant. The amazing thing was it was in the peak of summer and the entire pond was in full bloom!
It was stunning and gave me goose bumps! The pond’s water quality was amazing because of the plant’s great filtering capablities!
Touching Peoples Lives With Water,
Eric Triplett
The Pond Digger
http://www.exoticwaterscapes.com