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What to feed my water hyacinth?

Discussion in 'Water Gardening' started by Elizabeth13, Jun 16, 2013.

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Elizabeth13 Gardener
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What food/fertilizer should i feed my water hyacinth, and other pond plants.

(It's a fishless pond)

Elizabeth13, Jun 16, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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You shouldn't need to, Elizabeth, the water will provide the nutrients for the plant. The water is not a sterile medium and is full of bacteria, stuff brought in by the wind and algae that you can't see, plus the plants also use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into sugars, so normally the plants will survive quite merrily on their own. Adding nutrients to a pond or container can upset the balance of the micro system and encourage alge and weed turning your water green.
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ARMANDII, Jun 16, 2013
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Elizabeth13 Gardener
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Ah, I thought they might have needed feeding.
Perhaps it's just not been warm enough lately, and that's why their leaves are going brown?

Elizabeth13, Jun 16, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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Well, Water Hyacinths are classed as a tender and exotic plant and they are from the tropical and sub-tropical regions so cool weather will not encourage them to grow and thrive. It's also banned in some countries due to the fact that, under the right conditions it is considered to be an invasive pest and can choke waterways by doubling its population within a fortnight. Every is, like last year, well behind in growth etc and I don't think the Water Hyacinth will be any different especially considering it is a tender and exotic plant.

ARMANDII, Jun 16, 2013
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Elizabeth13 Gardener
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Yes, I still like them though even if I have to get them again year after year.
They are an interesting shape and pretty floating plant. I also nick the roots when they fall off and feed them to my indoor goldies
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Elizabeth13, Jun 16, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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Well, so long as you know that they are basically an annual plant in the climate of the UK I don't see a problem, especially if you enjoy them and isn't that what having a pond etc all about!!

ARMANDII, Jun 16, 2013
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dixy Gardener
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hi, I have a half barrel with a (flowerless) water lily in it, I've noticed that in the warmer weather there are millions (yes, really) of teensy wee black thingys, a bit like miniature tadpoles darting about in it, this is before the water goes green and then I cant see a thing!! Could someome tell me what these things are and how they get there? also, are they harmful to my water lily and other plants Im planning on introducing to it? Thanks

dixy, Jun 19, 2013
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ARMANDII said: ↑
Well, Water Hyacinths are classed as a tender and exotic plant and they are from the tropical and sub-tropical regions so cool weather will not encourage them to grow and thrive. It's also banned in some countries due to the fact that, under the right conditions it is considered to be an invasive pest and can choke waterways by doubling its population within a fortnight. Every is, like last year, well behind in growth etc and I don't think the Water Hyacinth will be any different especially considering it is a tender and exotic plant.
Click to expand...

Is there a way to overwinter them?

"M", Jun 23, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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"M" said: ↑
Is there a way to overwinter them?
Click to expand...

Possibly in a indoor fish tank near a window
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ARMANDII, Jun 23, 2013
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"M" Total Gardener
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How funny!!! After posting that, I had a thunk (it was hard work too, I had 4 other thunks going on at the same time!) and thought the same as you!

Then, I remembered I have an old aquarium in the loft and, maybe, that might do it. It has a lid with a light. Hey, nowt to lose is there!
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"M", Jun 23, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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Go for it, " M"
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ARMANDII, Jun 23, 2013
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I will, I will!!!
Who knows, this time next year I might be the forum "voice of experience" in over-wintering a water hyacinth
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"M", Jun 23, 2013
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Elizabeth13 Gardener
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I would have thought you'd need lots of light, it seems to be the main problem in this country.
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Elizabeth13, Jun 24, 2013
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Elizabeth13 said: ↑
I would have thought you'd need lots of light, it seems to be the main problem in this country.
Click to expand...

I could keep the aquarium light on overnight
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"M", Jun 24, 2013
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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member
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I don't think light will play too much of a part, although it will obviously have some effect, if the tank is kept by a South facing window during the Winter as the plant will slow down growth anyway as part of a natural process.

ARMANDII, Jun 24, 2013
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