Pontederia diversifolia (Vahl)

Variableleaf water hyacinth

Pontederia diversifolia is a beautiful stem plant from tropical Central and South America. This aquatic lives in shallow waters or on muddy substrates. Sometimes it is also encountered in the natural habitats with the strong current where it developes long, up to 10cm, leaves arranged in a distinct spiral along the stem. After reaching the water surface, the stem tip develops round, reniform, shining floating leaves and nice blue flowers. In the aquarium planted in the background or midground it will have the major effect.

It is native to Colombia and present in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Suriname, and Venezuela. Afterwards, it was also introduced into Cuba, Dominican Republic, India, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan.

Synonym: Eichhornia diversifolia.

Submitted by: Natasha Khardina

GPS: 3.8931279, -73.2797546

Geographical region: South America
Drainage Basin: Rio Meta
River catchment: Rio Brazo Pajure
Water body type: Stream
Water body name: Caño Giramena
Water body part
Water body course: Upper course
Water body: tributary of: River
Tributary name: Rio Acacias

Type locality: Colombia, Orinoquia, Pacífico, Valle del Magdalena
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (NE)
Listed in CITES: No

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 18 - 35 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 5 - 7
Conductivity
GH: 0 - 30 mg/l
KH: 0 - 10 mg/l
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Submersed

Plant type

Stem

Plant size

in the aquarium – up to the surface, in Nature up to 200 cm

Plant growth rate

Fast

Plant light demand

High

CO2

Medium

Aquarium equipment

For the better growth Pontederia diversifolia should be well supplied with nutrients and CO₂.

Plant care

Pontederia diversifolia grows submersed or with floating leaves in tropical regions. It is known to form vast zones of floating leaves in rivers. This fast grower should be trimmed in time to prevent floating leaves, if these are undesirable. It should never be planted in shady areas, as its leaves will change their colour and tirn transparent.

Water care

Pontederia diversifolia does well in water with slightly acid to neutral pH value. Sufficient nitrate and phosphate are crucial to its health, too – approx. 5-20 mg/l of nitrate and 1-2 mg/l of phosphate. A lack of nitrate, phosphate and iron are probably the reason for difficulties in cultivating this plant.