Water Hawthorn Plant Care
Aponogeton distachyos L.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aponogeton distachyos or Aponogeton distachyum, also known as waterblommetjie, Cape-pondweed, water hawthorn, vleikos and Cape pond weed is an aquatic flowering plant.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Hawthorn?
Water Water Hawthorn every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Water Hawthorn?
Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos) belongs to the Aponogetonaceae family within the Aponogeton genus. Water Hawthorn is also known as Cape Pondweed.
Water Hawthorn displays a tall, aquatic perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Water Hawthorn produces fragrant white or pale lavender flowers on long spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Hawthorn?
Aponogeton distachyos requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Hawthorn Need?
Water Hawthorn thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Water Hawthorn in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Hawthorn Prefer?
Aponogeton distachyos grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Water Hawthorn prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Hawthorn?
Rich loamy soil with good organic content and excellent drainage. Good drainage is essential for Water Hawthorn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Hawthorn?
Feed Water Hawthorn every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Water Hawthorn?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Water Hawthorn?
Water Hawthorn can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to satara aponogeton plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Hawthorn Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Hawthorn, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Water Hawthorn?
Water Hawthorn is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Water Hawthorn Need?
Water Hawthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Water Hawthorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Water Hawthorn is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aponogeton genus — compare its care with other Aponogeton species on PlantoScan.
Aponogeton is part of the Aponogetonaceae plant family — browse all Aponogetonaceae genera and species.
Water Hawthorn thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aponogeton Species
Other Aponogeton species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aponogeton distachyos L.f., family Aponogetonaceae (first published in Suppl. Pl. : 215 (1782)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Hawthorn, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Water Hawthorn Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species