Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth / Waterhyacint)

Eichhornia crassipes, the Water Hyacinth, is one of the most visually impressive floating pond plants available. Its glossy, rounded leaves are held aloft by distinctive bulbous, air-filled petioles that act as natural floats. In summer, mature plants produce tall spikes of pale lavender orchid-like flowers with a striking yellow-spotted upper petal. Beneath the water, a dense mass of feathery purple-black roots provides ideal spawning habitat for fish and extracts nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals from the water with exceptional efficiency — making it one of nature's most powerful natural pond filters. Sold as a seasonal floating plant for ponds and outdoor water features; it is frost-tender and must be removed or overwintered indoors before the first autumn frost.

Float freely on the pond surface in full sun for best flowering and fastest nutrient uptake. Requires warm temperatures above 15°C to grow actively; remove before the first frost as it is not cold-hardy. Can spread rapidly in warm conditions — thin as needed to prevent overshading. Do not release into natural waterways as it is an invasive species in many regions outside its native South America.