Eichhornia natans
Pontederia natans P.Beauv.
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Need help with Eichhornia natans?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Planting & care
- PlacementFloating
- Growth typeStem plant
- LightMedium
- CO2Required
About this plant
Eichhornia natans, currently accepted botanically as Pontederia natans, is an uncommon African aquatic plant capable of growing submerged or close to the water surface. In the aquarium it forms delicate green stems and is best displayed where it receives unobstructed light. Stable carbon dioxide, soft water and a complete nutrient supply help prevent weak, sparse growth, which makes this species better suited to experienced planted-tank keepers than to low-tech setups. Its fast growth can be controlled by trimming healthy shoot tips and replanting them. Because the plant may approach or reach the surface, it is most useful in the midground or background of open, well-lit aquariums. Consistent conditions are more important than frequent changes, particularly after newly obtained stems are planted.
Quick specs
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Light
- Medium
- CO₂
- Required
- Temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- Placement
- Floating
- Growth type
- Stem plant
- Aquarium suitability
- Suitable for aquariums Suitable for long-term aquarium use.
Water conditions
Plant reference ranges, not dosing instructions or measurements from your aquarium. Consider livestock needs and measured conditions.
- Temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH
- 5–7
- Carbonate hardness
- 0–10 °dKH
- CO₂ (mg/L)
- 20–40 mg/L
Growth & placement
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Color
- Green
Grow it successfully
What you’ll need to grow Eichhornia natans
Start with this plant’s documented care needs, then use an AquariumLesson calculator to size the setup for your aquarium.
For best results, keep the plant's documented lighting, CO₂ and nutrient needs in balance.
Taxonomy
- Major group
- Angiosperms
- Family
- Pontederiaceae
- Genus
- Pontederia
- Botanical name
- Pontederia natans P.Beauv.
