Picture of a Water Hyacinth.
Water Gardens & Features Q & A
Q: I’ve had many people tell me to add water hyacinth to my water garden. I heard they spread like wildfire and can take over my water garden. What’s so great about them? – Tiffany of West Virginia
A: Water hyacinth, especially in water gardens, are a useful tool when trying to create a balanced ecosystem. Water hyacinth are simple to use and perform many functions in a water garden such as: great for filtration, compete with algae for nutrients and provides shade and shelter. I know many of our readers may not agree with this so let’s explain some of the cons first.
Many southern states have restricted water hyacinth because of its aggressive growth. They clog waterways and choke out native plants. In these areas other plant types can be used. Bogs can be planted with marginal/bog plants to maintain the water body that are not as aggressive. Water lilies can be utilized for shelter and shade. If you are in the northern climates, water hyacinth still spread quickly but they cannot survive the cold harsh winter.
So Why Use Water Hyacinth Anyway?
- Easy to Plant: Water hyacinth are one of the most simple plants to add to your water garden. Simply drop them in and enjoy. You can place them in your waterfall filter, calm areas in the pond or any place where there is at least a few inches of water.
- Shelter: Water hyacinth float on the water’s surface covering the pond and shading it from the sun keeping the water cooler. The root systems also provide hiding places for your baby fish as well as cover in general against predators.
- Filtration Capacity: Water hyacinth have large root systems that can stretch 10 or more inches. Each of these individual roots have thousands of root hairs which increase the roots surface area. We know from our filter systems that the main reason they work so well is the large amount of surface area for bacteria to grow on. Multiply that by numerous water hyacinth and you have instantly doubled or even tripled your filtration capacity.
- Compete with Algae: Since water hyacinth are prolific growers, they compete with algae for the same food source, thus keeping your water garden balanced and looking good all year.
- Looks: Water hyacinth are nice too look at. Foliage is green all season and purple flowers form through out the year as well.
- Easy to Remove: If water hyacinth get out of control in your water garden, don’t worry, they are extremely easy to remove with a pond net.
With so many benefits, in the right conditions, water hyacinth are a great renewable resource.
POND TALK: Do you plant water hyacinth in your water garden? Tell us what you think about water hyacinth.
Filed under: Aquatic Plants, Water Gardens & Features | Tagged: aquatic plants, pond plants, water garden plants, water hyacinth
I love the water hyacinth. I usually buy about 3. They aren’t that expensive and soon I have enough to take care of my pond, I have sold the extras in the past for 50 cent a piece and made back the money I have put into buying other plants for the pond. My kids and I love watching our koi pull them around the pond by the roots and the blooms are beautiful.
I love water hyacinths, but they don’t last in my pond. They die after a week or two. I live in the desert does that make a difference. What am I doing wrong?
Do you have any shade next to your pond? Sometimes direct sunlight and excessive heat can damage to plants. Also, check the pH levels, if the water is too hard that can stunt plant growth as well. A pH level of 7 is perfect, a range of 6.5 to 8.5 is usually fine for plants.
How can I extend the time of the water hyacinth plant in winter?.
It is possible to easily latency or die?.
Bernardo,
You can try and winter them over in your home by planting them in pots, but it may not be worth the effort since they are fairly inexpensive to replace.
Thanks for the comment!
I have planted water hyacinths for the past few years but mid summer they wither and die. Any ideas why?
Ron,
Check the pH of the water. A pH level of 7 is perfect. If your water’s pH is above 8.5 you can have issues with plant growth. Also, koi love to eat the roots of water hyacinth. It’s like candy for them. So check and make sure they aren’t eating them as well.
My water hyacinth also die after a week or so. I was told its because I add pond salt to my water garden. Is this true?
I love water hyacinth in my pond, which is about an 800 gallon size. Although they are prolific, they are great for added shelter and shade. What I most love about them is how they filter the water. My pond stays very, very clear throughout the summer because of the water hyacinths…if you have many Koi, however, they may well nibble on the roots – I had one Koi who was particularly fond of the roots and nibbled most of them down to little stubs! Also, some ducks like to munch on the leaves, but if you have enough they will simply bounce back and continue growing well. When mine
are out of control I simply thin them out by removing them from the pond. I heartily recommend water hyacinth!
Yes I do use water hyacinths in my pond I have one problem I can’t keep the squirrels from eating the plants. They even pull them out of the pond. Any hint on what I can do to prevent this situation’
Mary Helen,
You can try to use a motion activated scarecrow to help keep squirrels away. Here is the link to learn more.
I USE WATER HYACINTH AND WATER LETTUCE TO HELP WITH FILTERING THE WATER. BUT IN THE FALL I PUT THEM IN THE COMPOST BEN.ITS DOES NOT KEEP WELL OVER WINTER. IN SPRING I BUY ONE EACH FOR 4.50
I have trouble growth health, prolific water hyancinth. Is it the quality of the plants? or could it be the water? Generally, the water is clear and other plants do OK. Any suggestions?
Mary,
Check the pH of the water. A pH level of 7 is perfect. If your water’s pH is above 8.5 you can have issues with plant growth. Also, koi love to eat the roots of water hyacinth. It’s like candy for them. So check and make sure they aren’t eating them as well.
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Hello,
I tried water hyacinth last year. I started out with about 15 plants, They did reproduce prolifically, however, the sun started to burn the edges of the plant, and I ended up with burnt, brown, leaves and the plants died. I don’t think they do will in direct sunlight, at least they didn’t do well in my pond. I have a 2,400 gallon pond with koi and gold fish.
Mike
Hyacinth does not like getting thier leaves splashed I know that sounds funny being they are a water plant but like a lotus if the leaves are splashed by a fountain or waterfall for example they burn.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment!
I love water hyacinth. I live in the north so overgrowth is no problem. I would like to try to keep them over the winter inside. Could I use a water tank and grow light? Considering the economy, they are not THAT inexpensive, at least not to me.
Kathy,
You can definitely try and I’ve talked to some customers who have been successful wintering them over and other customers who haven’t been so successful. A water tank should work. The biggest thing you have to make sure of is keeping the temperature warm.
Thanks for the comment!
I bought 3 water hyacinth plants for my small backyard pond. The top is almost entirely covered, I almost never have to clean the pond filter and it gets direct sunlight all day. Next year, I think I will start with just 1 plant!!!
My water hyacinth leaves start drying up after 4 weeks in the pond, and they all turn yellow brownish, but my water is crystal clear after I add water hyacinth. I kept them separate from my fish, so roots are all in good condition, but can’t figure out why leaves are turning yellow and dried up. There is no water splashing on the leaves, but they are in direct sun in the morning. Could it be PH level?? Please help.
William,
pH levels can affect your plants. If the water is too hard it can stunt the plant growth. A pH level of 7 is perfect; a range of 6.5 to 8.5 is usually fine for plants. Another thing to consider is if you are you using salt in your pond water: Salt will affect the Water Hyacinth, as well as other aquatic plants. It is recommended to us 1 ¼ cups of salt per 100 gallons if there are plants in your pond. Fertilizing your plants with fertilizer in small frequent feedings will also help with yellowing plants. Bloom and Grow is a concentrated liquid. Use one ounce per 300 gallons of pond water.