Common Name
Variableleaf water hyacinth
Description
Eichhornia diversifolia is an especially beautiful stem plant from tropical Central and South America. It resembles Heteranthera zosterifolia from the same plant family (Pontederiaceae), but the leaves are longer (about 10 cm) and arranged in a distinct spiral along the stem. After reaching the water surface, the stem tip develops round, reniform, shining floating leaves and eventually nice blue flowers.
Eichhornia diversifolia should be well supplied with nutrients and CO2, in water with slightly acid to neutral pH value, for healthy and strong growth. This fast grower should be trimmed in time to prevent floating leaves, if these are undesirable.
As one of the most beautiful stem plants, Eichhornia diversifolia has the best effect as solitary stand of few stems in the aquarium midground.
Eichhornia diversifolia grows submersed or with floating leaves in tropical waters of Central and South America. It is known to form vast zones of floating leaves in rivers. Under optimal growing conditions, E. diversifolia is a fast grower. It needs strong light, at least 0.75 watts per litre. It should never be placed in shady areas, as its leaves tend to grow transparent then, and are shed after a short time. It needs CO2 fertilisation to form strong, robust stems. Sufficient nitrate and phosphate are crucial to its health, too-approx.5-20 mg/L of nitrate and 1-2 mg/L of phosphate.
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
One of the most decorative stem plants
Grass-like leaves
Spiral leaf formation
Synonyms
Heteranthera zosterifolia Vahl
Complete Botanical Name
Eichhórnia diversifólia (Vahl) Urb.
Family
Pontederiaceae
Genus
Eichhornia
Category
Middle Ground
Difficulty
medium
Growth
fast
Carbon Dioxide
need
pH Value
5-7
Temperature Tolerance
18-35℃
Carbonate Hardness
0-10 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Cuttings
Can Grow Emersed?
unknown
