Water Hyacinth

You are purchasing 1-3 pieces depending on size. 

Warning: might contain snail or duckweed I do my best to remove any.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating aquatic plant known for its beautiful appearance and rapid growth. Here's some information:

1. **Appearance:** Water hyacinth has glossy, rounded leaves that form a rosette structure. It produces showy lavender to violet flowers with a yellow spot on the upper petal.

2. **Habitat:** Native to South America, water hyacinth is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It typically floats on the surface of still or slow-flowing water bodies like ponds, lakes, and rivers.

3. **Growth:** Known for its vigorous growth, water hyacinth can spread rapidly, covering large areas of water. This fast growth can lead to concerns about its invasiveness in some regions.

4. **Floating Plant:** Water hyacinth is a free-floating plant, meaning it doesn't need to be anchored in the substrate. Its buoyant roots dangle beneath the water's surface.

5. **Water Conditions:** It prefers warm temperatures ranging from 59-86°F (15-30°C) and can tolerate a wide pH range. Water hyacinth thrives in nutrient-rich environments.

6. **Propagation:** Water hyacinth reproduces both sexually through seeds and asexually through runners. A single plant can produce many offspring, contributing to its rapid spread.

7. **Uses:** While admired for its beauty, water hyacinth is considered invasive in many areas, causing ecological issues by outcompeting native plants. However, in controlled environments, it can be used for water filtration, as it absorbs nutrients and helps control algae.

8. **Concerns:** Due to its invasive nature, water hyacinth is regulated in some regions. Its uncontrolled growth can clog waterways, disrupt ecosystems, and create problems for aquatic life.

In aquariums, it's essential to manage water hyacinth carefully to prevent its uncontrolled spread. If kept as an aquarium plant, regular pruning and control measures are necessary to maintain a healthy aquatic environment. Always check local regulations before introducing water hyacinth into natural water bodies.