Pickerelweed Plant Care
Pontederia cordata Lour.
Pontederia cordata, common name pickerelweed (USA) or pickerel weed (UK), is a monocotyledonous aquatic plant native to the Americas. It grows in a variety of wetlands, including pond and lake margins across an extremely large range from eastern Canada south to Argentina.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
60–80%
What Is the Pickerelweed?
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) belongs to the Pontederiaceae family within the Pontederia genus. Pickerelweed is native to the Americas. Pickerelweed is also known as Pickerel Weed, Heartleaf Pickerelweed, Blue Pickerelweed.
Pickerelweed displays a clump-forming aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Pickerelweed produces spike of blue, purple, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pickerelweed?
Pontederia cordata requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pickerelweed Need?
Pickerelweed thrives in full sun to part shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Pickerelweed in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pickerelweed Prefer?
Pontederia cordata grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Pickerelweed prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pickerelweed?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Pickerelweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Pickerelweed?
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 Pickerelweed?
Pickerelweed can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Pickerelweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pickerelweed?
Pickerelweed 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pickerelweed Need?
Pickerelweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 11b. Native to the Americas, Pickerelweed is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Pickerelweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Pickerelweed 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 Pontederia genus — compare its care with other Pontederia species on PlantoScan.
Pickerelweed tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
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