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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 6°C / 42.80°F - 33°C / 91.40°F |
| Temperature | 15°C / 59.00°F - 24°C / 75.20°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-10 kh |
| pH Value | 5-7.5 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 20-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Eichhornia azurea, also known as the anchored water hyacinth, is a visually striking aquatic plant that is particularly admired for its extravagant submersed form. This plant, belonging to the Pontederiaceae family and the Eichhornia genus, is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, spanning from the southern United States to Argentina. It typically creates dense floating mats made up of several-meter-long stems bearing emersed spoon-shaped leaves and stunning white, purple, or azure blue flowers in both stagnant and flowing waters. While its submersed form is less common in its natural habitat, the light green, linear leaves of E. azurea grow in pairs on the stem, resembling palm leaves.
Aquarium Suitability
E. azurea is deemed suitable for aquariums, particularly in large setups. However, cultivating this plant in tanks comes with challenges as the submersed shoots can grow to a width of at least 20 cm, requiring ample space and care during planting to avoid damaging the delicate leaves. This plant thrives best in tanks with a height of 50 cm or more to accommodate its tendency to grow vigorously towards the water surface, necessitating frequent pruning and replanting to maintain its appearance.
Demands and Hardiness
Eichhornia azurea is classified as a medium-difficulty plant with fast growth rates. It thrives in environments with medium to high light levels and requires a sufficient supply of nutrients to prevent the lower parts of its leaves from turning blackish. The plant's preferred water conditions range from a pH of 5 to 7.5, a temperature between 15-24°C, and varying levels of CO2, carbonate hardness, iron, nitrates, phosphates, and potassium.
Aquascaping & Usage
Ideal for semi-emersed cultivation in open tanks, E. azurea serves well as a background or midground plant, or even as a striking feature on the water surface. Its palm-leaf-like appearance makes it an aesthetically pleasing addition to aquarium designs, especially when showcased as a solitary plant, offering a captivating focal point with its unique foliage.
Propagation
Propagation of E. azurea is relatively straightforward and can be achieved through head cuttings. After pruning, lateral shoots typically emerge from the remaining stem within days, which can then be used as additional cuttings. To maintain the desired stem count, the lower part of the stem can be removed, and the head cutting replanted in its place. Additionally, by trimming the emersed shoots low above the ground, new submersed lateral shoots can be encouraged for propagation.
Habitat and Distribution
Naturally occurring in the American tropics and subtropics, Eichhornia azurea thrives in both stagnant and flowing waters where it forms extensive floating carpets of lush vegetation. Its distribution spans from the southern regions of the United States down to Argentina, where it contributes to the aquatic biodiversity of these diverse ecosystems.