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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.
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.
