Anchored water hyacinth (Pontederia azurea) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Eichhornia azurea, Anchored water hyacinth, Water orchid, Floating water hyacinth
Family
Pontederiaceae (pickerelweed family)
Origin
Central and South America
Water
freshwater
Temperature
22–30°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Strong light; CO2 helps

Care

A perennial water plant from warm waters of Central and South America, formerly Eichhornia azurea and now placed with water hyacinth in Pontederia. Unlike the free-floating water hyacinth, this species is rooted in the bottom and sends long stems through the water, with thick, waxy, rounded leaves at the surface. Its flowers are lavender-blue with a yellow blotch, up to five on a stem. Wikipedia says it is of some interest as an aquarium plant. Under water it can be grown as a tall stem plant at the back of the tank, but it will try to reach the surface and can rise well above it in an open tank or pond. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It comes from warm tropical waters. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Wikipedia reports that it spreads quickly from seed and stem fragments and is a prohibited noxious weed in parts of the United States; it is not on the GB invasive species list, unlike water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontederiaazurea); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by seed and by horizontal stems; stem pieces root readily, so cuttings are the easiest method. The population can double in a couple of weeks in good conditions.

Compatibility and tank mates

Suits large, warm tanks, paludariums and indoor ponds. Plant-eating fish such as large cichlids and silver dollars may graze the soft submerged leaves.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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