Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth)

Eichhornia crassipes is one of the most visually impressive aquatic plants available, producing glossy, rounded leaves on distinctive inflated, bulbous petioles that act as floats, and bearing stunning spikes of large violet flowers with a golden spot on the uppermost petal. In large open-top paludariums and pond setups it creates an instant tropical water-garden atmosphere. Its trailing roots can extend 30 cm or more into the water column, providing significant biological filtration and nutrient removal.

While renowned for being invasive in tropical waters, in the controlled environment of a paludarium it is a valuable, easy-to-manage feature plant. It requires strong light and warm temperatures to flower freely. Regular harvesting of daughter plants prevents overcrowding. The dried plant can also be used as a natural food supplement for some herbivorous aquarium inhabitants.

Light: Very high; 5,000–10,000 lux or direct sun in open tops; flowering is light-dependent. CO2/Humidity: No CO2; warm humid air above the water surface promotes the most vigorous growth. Fertilisation: No fertilisation needed; an exceptional nutrient absorber — use it as a natural water purifier. Placement: Float freely on the open water section; thin regularly by removing daughter plants on stolons. Propagation: Detach daughter plants produced on stolons; each has its own root system and establishes immediately.