Water Hyacinth is a grassy perennial. It multiplies rapidly, is considered an excellent reservoir cleaner.
It grows in decorative ponds, large aquariums, rivers, lakes. Requires constant lighting and stable temperature.
Hyacinth is a floating water flower. The scientific name of this plant is "Eichornia". Homeland is the United States. This representative of the flora can be found in the marshland of the Amazon. Now Water Hyacinth is spread all over the world.
The flower grows in the tropics, lakes and rivers. It is growing rapidly, which greatly hinders shipping. Therefore, the unofficial name of the plant - "Water plague".
The flower survives well in decorative ponds, artificial ponds and with good care - large aquariums. The plant actively grows in the reservoirs rich with organic substances.
Description and photos of plants
Water Hyacinth is a herbaceous flowering perennial. On the surface of the water, this representative of the flora is held by swollen petioles containing oxygen.
Petioles consist of a fabric with a honeycomb structure. Leaf-shaped floats perfectly maintain the emerald lush outlet. Flower stalks depart from its center. The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped, dense, wrinkled. Veins are arcuate. The root system of the flower is fibrous. The length can reach 0.5 meters.
Below you can see photos of water hyacinth.
Bloom
During the entire summer period, the plant blooms. Each flower blooms no more than 48 hours. But because of their large number, bloom is abundant and long lasting. Especially bright and beautiful bloom is observed in warm rainy weather.
After flowering, the peduncle leaves under water. If the summer was very cold and the temperature did not rise above 22 ° C, then a huge cap of dense emerald foliage grows above the water surface.
Planting and caring for flowers
When planting a plant in a pond, it is necessary to take into account that the water was fortified with a large amount of organic matter.
Professional growers recommend adding river silt, humus, mullein, compost, and complex commercial feedings to water. Landing is done in late spring - early summer.when the temperature becomes stable.
Important! Active growth of sockets depends on the number of micronutrients in the water.
Pruning
During the entire summer period, special care for this plant is not required. Periodically, black old petioles are cut from it. From the mother flower, they can be easily broken off without applying force.
Breeding
For amazing ability to reproduce quickly, professional growers call this plant a “double champion”. The procedure is similar to the reproduction of strawberries.
The flower formed daughter processes. For 30 days, the mother plant gives more than 100 new copies Eichornia. Therefore, it is considered that reproduction occurs exponentially.
The increase in mass of this representative flora occurs with a decrease in daylight. Also, the flower propagates by seeds. But for full ripening of seeds, a stable temperature in excess of 36 ° C is required. Therefore, in most regions of the Russian Federation, this method of reproduction is impossible.
After flowering, the fruit with seeds is torn, and the seeds fall into the water. At high temperatures, the seeds begin to grow strongly. With a lack of heat - they rot.
Important! It is necessary to know that when growing Eichornia in ornamental ponds with lively flora, excessive reproduction of this representative of the flora leads to a change in the incoming light. In water, the oxygen level changes, which leads to the death of living beings. Therefore, for the flora should provide artificial aeration of water.
Temperature
Active plant growth occurs at a temperature of 25-27 ° C. The flowering period begins at temperatures above 28 ° C. If the temperature falls below 22 ° C, then flowering stops. This temperature is well kept in the US and Asia.
Northern and central parts of the Russian Federation is difficult to achieve full bloom. Therefore, the plant is recommended for growing in the south of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The closer the plant is to the south, the more abundant it blooms.
- Types of hyacinth.
- Beautiful blooming "Mouse hyacinth": description and care.
Lighting
The plant needs a light day over 14 hours. With a lack of sun flower will wither and drop the leaves.
Therefore, if it is not possible to provide such a mode of lighting - the flower is artificially highlighted. Fluorescent lamps are perfect for this.
How to save in winter?
After the end of the summer period and lowering the temperature, it is recommended to transfer this representative of the flora to a warm, calm, well-lit room. As a tank for wintering it is recommended to use pots or large aquariums.
To fill the tank is necessary use water from the reservoirwhere the plant was located. River sludge is added to it, thanks to which the plant quickly adapts to new conditions and is easily rooted. For a complete wintering the plant must provide:
- Stable temperature in excess of 20 ° C.
- Water temperature 20 ° C.
- Artificial and daylight illumination for 13-15 hours a day.
- Prosperity of oxygen.
- Elimination of drafts and direct wind.
- When evaporating - topping up the water in the tank
When overwintering a plant container, set as much as possible. away from heating devices. Air should be moistened with water from the sprayer. It is important to ensure that this representative flora resides in the water. It is forbidden to cover containers with cellophane or other objects. Otherwise, the plant will have nothing to breathe, and it will die.
It is forbidden to install the plant in a dark cellar, closet and basement. To the leaves do not rot, being in the water, the plant is set on the ring float.
With his help, the root system of the flower will be completely immersed in water. And the leaves will be on the surface, not in contact with water.
Some growers recommend keeping Eichornia in wet substrate or sea sand. You should not keep the plant in metal tanks, as with constant contact with water, they begin to rust.
In the video, the expert tells how best Water Hyacinth winters.
Benefit and harm
This representative of the flora is considered the best living water filter. It easily recycles harmful chemicals entering the pond. Therefore, in the summer period in the Russian Federation it is used to purify water in rivers, lakes and artificial reservoirs.
The powerful root system of the flower covers a large amount of territory. She's like a pump, pulls out gasoline, traces of oils, phosphates, phenols, metal oxides, various insecticides.
Diseases
Sick plant only from improper care or improper wintering. If the flower began to wither, he must provide oxygen supply and increase the period of artificial lighting. Organic substances, trace elements, sludge and humus should be added to the water.
Eichornia is a flowering plant. Requires high temperatures above 25 ° C, sun and artificial lighting. Propagated by seeds and daughter processes. Prefers fortified water with a large amount of organic matter.
