Eichornia

The genus Eichornia includes 7 species of aquatic plants with characteristic flowers resembling those of orchids and hyacinths. It is not by chance that Eichornia crassipes is called water hyacinth. This is a floating plant with thickened petioles of leaves collected in a beautiful large rosette, Part of it is in water at a depth of 45 cm, 20-30 cm or more protrudes above the water, as long as the environment is warm. But water hyacinth can also grow in mud when the water layer is insufficient to "provide swimming". The leaves of Eichornia are glossy dark green heart-shaped; the swollen petioles consist of a spongy tissue that allows the plants to float. The purple-purple roots can extend up to 30-40 cm in length, and they are very beautiful in large aquariums with goldfish and in ponds with carp that lay eggs on them. Flowers that bloom in summer from the center of the rosette do not last long, collected in loose racemes 10 cm long, lavender-blue color with a yellow spot on the uppermost petal. In many areas where plants are found in nature, they spread so quickly that they are considered weeds. Although if eichornia has taken root in a pond or other body of water, then algae does not grow there, which you have to clean from time to time. Water hyacinth is one of the most beautiful plants for large warm aquariums.

The genus Eichornia includes 7 species of aquatic plants with characteristic flowers resembling those of orchids and hyacinths. It is not by chance that Eichornia crassipes is called water hyacinth. This is a floating plant with thickened petioles of leaves collected in a beautiful large rosette, Part of it is in water at a depth of 45 cm, 20-30 cm or more protrudes above the water, as long as the environment is warm. But water hyacinth can also grow in mud when the water layer is insufficient to "provide swimming".

The leaves of Eichornia are glossy dark green heart-shaped; the swollen petioles consist of a spongy tissue that allows the plants to float. The purple-purple roots can extend up to 30-40 cm in length, and they are very beautiful in large aquariums with goldfish and in ponds with carp that lay eggs on them. Flowers that bloom in summer from the center of the rosette do not last long, collected in loose racemes 10 cm long, lavender-blue color with a yellow spot on the uppermost petal.

In many areas where plants are found in nature, they spread so quickly that they are considered weeds. Although if eichornia has taken root in a pond or other body of water, then algae does not grow there, which you have to clean from time to time.

Water hyacinth is one of the most beautiful plants for large warm aquariums.

Cultivation

They are cultivated in outdoor pools and ponds only in mild climates, less often in aquariums. Although it is a floating plant, the soil thickness must be at least 5 cm in order for the plants to be fed with the necessary nutrients. In winter, in cold areas, plants are placed in a protected, lighted place in a container of water, placing a layer of substrate on the bottom.

Location

Eichornia is grown in reservoirs that are well warmed by the sun, if possible-in a place protected from the wind.

Temperature

This plant is completely unhardened. At the end of summer, it should be closed, maintaining the air temperature at 15-20 °C. The minimum air temperature is 10-12 °C.

Reproduction

Propagate eichornia thick-legged young rosettes in May-September. The plant is constantly forming new rosettes that can be separated when the leaves are fully developed.

Diseases

As a rule, there are no big problems with eichornia pachyderma. But in the hottest months, it can be affected by aphids. If the infection is significant, it is necessary to treat it with appropriate anti-aphid drugs.

Acquisition

Eichornia can be purchased in the best gardening centers, and sometimes even in specialized stores for aquarium lovers. The best time to buy this plant, depending on the climate, is May or June, when it can be planted in water, and the air temperature will not fall below 10 °C.