Water Lettuce Kiambang 浮萍 水莴苣 / Water Hyacinth 水葫芦 Aquatic Plant

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes, formerly Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant native to tropical and subtropical South America.

Sunlight and Placement

– Provide 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vibrant green leaves and purple blooms.

– Place them directly on the water surface in ponds, water gardens, or large containers.

– Partial shade is tolerated, but too much shade will reduce flower production.

Water and Maintenance

– Keep roots submerged by topping off water lost to evaporation during hot weather.

– Control rapid growth and overcrowding by thinning out excess plants when they cover more than half the water surface.

– Trim old, dead leaves and overly long, algae-clogged roots to keep the plant tidy.

– Prevent mosquito breeding by adding a small water pump or introducing larvae-eating fish like guppies.

Water lettuce, scientifically known as Pistia stratiotes and locally called Kiambang, is a free-floating tropical aquatic plant that looks like an open head of green lettuce

Light Requirements

– Provide bright, direct sunlight or strong aquarium LED lights (5,000K to 6,500K) for at least 5 to 7 hours daily.

– Avoid complete shade, which causes leaves to turn yellow and rot.

– Protect plants from intense, scorching midday sun in very hot outdoor setups by offering light, dappled shade.