Photo: Mattia MenchettiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Hyacinth Plant Care
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant, with its large, glossy, rounded leaves and striking lavender flowers, hails from South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its ability to quickly cover the surface of water, making it a popular choice for ornamental ponds and water gardens.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Hyacinth?
Water Water Hyacinth every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Water Hyacinth Native To?
What Is the Water Hyacinth?
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) belongs to the Pontederiaceae family within the Eichhornia genus. Water Hyacinth is native to South America, naturalized throughout the world, and often invasive outside its native range. Water Hyacinth is also known as Common Water Hyacinth, Floating Violet, Water Orchid.
Water Hyacinth displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Water Hyacinth produces showy purple, blue, or lavender flowers on long stalks.
How Often Should You Water a Water Hyacinth?
Eichhornia crassipes requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Hyacinth Need?
Water Hyacinth thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Hyacinth Prefer?
Eichhornia crassipes grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Water Hyacinth prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Hyacinth?
Rich, loamy soil with good organic content and good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Water Hyacinth to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Hyacinth?
Feed Water Hyacinth every month 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 month
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 Hyacinth?
Does not require potting, grows in water. 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 Hyacinth?
Water Hyacinth can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.
Is the Water Hyacinth Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
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 Hyacinth?
Water Hyacinth is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Hyacinth Need?
Water Hyacinth grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Water Hyacinth is native to South America, naturalized throughout the world, and often invasive outside its native range. In cooler regions, grow Water Hyacinth as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Water Hyacinth 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 Eichhornia genus — compare its care with other Eichhornia species on PlantoScan.
Eichhornia is part of the Pontederiaceae plant family — browse all Pontederiaceae genera and species.
Water Hyacinth thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, family Pontederiaceae (first published in Monogr. Phan. 4: 527 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Water Hyacinth as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Mattia Menchetti, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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