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Eichhornia heterosperma

Eichhornia heterosperma

A beautiful floating and submerged plant from South America, ideal for well-lit aquariums. Needs moderate to intense lighting and CO2 to promote compact leaf growth.

Taxonomy
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Commelinales
Family:Pontederiaceae
Genus:Eichhornia
Species:Eichhornia heterosperma
Formerly known as: 

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Water Temperature

18 - 28 °C

pH Value

5.5 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Light

Medium - High

CO2

Medium - High

GH

0 - 20 dGH

KH

0 - 14 dKH

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to South America and parts of Central America. It grows in shallow, stagnant, or slow-flowing waters, such as swamps, lagoons, and well-lit canals, often in association with other floating plants.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It is part of the Pontederiaceae family. Compared to other Eichhornia species, it has a more stable submerged growth habit and does not tend to break the water surface as quickly if conditions are controlled.
Physical Structure: It develops a flexible and relatively thin stem. The leaves are arranged alternately, long and narrow, and tend to lie horizontally relative to the stem axis.
Color & Texture: It features a bright green or light olive green coloration. The leaves have a smooth and flexible texture, which sways gently with the movement of the water.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Lighting & CO2: Requires moderate to intense lighting. CO2 promotes more compact growth and prevents bleaching of the apical leaves.
Nutrition & Substrate: A fertile substrate greatly helps initial rooting. It benefits from regular fertilization with microelements, especially iron.
Water Chemistry: Adapts to different ranges, preferring soft to medium water (KH 1-12) and pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The optimal temperature is between 18 and 30 °C.
Space Management & Placement: Great for the midground or background of medium-sized aquariums. It should be planted in small, tidy groups.
Pruning: Pruning is done by cutting the stems to the desired height. The cut stems can be replanted to expand the group.
Risks & Diseases: Can suffer if shaded by larger plants. Nutrient deficiencies manifest as weak stems and leaf loss in the lower part.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Native to South America and parts of Central America. It grows in shallow, stagnant, or slow-flowing waters, such as swamps, lagoons, and well-lit canals, often in association with other floating plants.

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.

Last updated: 08/10/2026
Eichhornia heterosperma Care Guide & Tank Setup | Atlarium