Encyclopaedia
PlantFreshwaterIntermediate
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Eichhornia azurea
Eichhornia azurea
A striking stem plant from Latin America with uniquely textured, alternate leaves. Requires intense lighting and regular CO2 injection to support its horizontal growth.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Commelinales
Family:Pontederiaceae
Genus:Eichhornia
Species:Eichhornia azurea
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Water Temperature
6 - 33 °C
pH Value
5 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium - High
CO2
Medium - High
GH
0 - 20 dGH
KH
0 - 10 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical zones of Latin America, particularly in the Amazon basin. It populates slow rivers, lagoons, and very sunny open marsh areas.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Belongs to the Pontederiaceae family. It shows a marked dimorphism between the submerged form (with leaves arranged in a flat fan) and the emerged form (with petiolate, round leaves that float on the surface).
Physical Structure: Develops robust and thick stems that grow very quickly toward the light. The submerged form is exceptional for its two-dimensional appearance and the geometric symmetry of its leaves.
Color & Texture: The submerged leaves are bright green, long, and tape-like. The texture is smooth and robust, capable of withstanding moderate water currents.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Requires intense lighting. CO2 is necessary to support fast growth and prevent the plant from losing leaves at the base.
Nutrition & Substrate: A fertile substrate is recommended to support the development of strong roots. Requires abundant liquid fertilization including iron and potassium.
Water Chemistry: Very tolerant, temperature range between 6 and 33 °C. Optimal pH between 5.0 and 7.5 with low water hardness (KH 0-10).
Space Management & Placement: Place in the background or midground. Needs plenty of free space as the leaves spread out considerably.
Pruning: Pruning must be frequent. Cut the top of the stem and replant it to rejuvenate the group.
Risks & Diseases: If it reaches the water surface, it changes shape to the emerged form, which is less decorative for traditional planted aquariums. Trim before it emerges.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical zones of Latin America, particularly in the Amazon basin. It populates slow rivers, lagoons, and very sunny open marsh areas.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and GuianasExtra-Amazon South AmericaCentral America and Caribbean
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
