Variableleaf water hyacinth

Description

Eichhornia diversifolia grows submerged or produces floating leaves in tropical waters of Central and South America, often forming vast areas of floating leaves in rivers. It thrives in strong light (at least 0.75 watts per liter) and requires CO2 fertilization for robust stems. The plant needs sufficient nitrate (5-20 mg/l) and phosphate (1-2 mg/l) to maintain its health; a deficiency can cause the lowest leaves to turn black and die off. It also requires large doses of iron and micronutrients to maintain its dark green color. Given adequate nutrients, E. diversifolia forms long, robust shoots that produce many stems, developing into a bushy plant with hedgelike growth. The plant produces ovate floating leaves with kidney-shaped bases when grown above the water surface, which can also bear beautiful blue flowers. Laterals shoots can be cut off and replanted in the substrate.