There are several varieties of the stunning water hyacinth out there, and they all share a love for their tropical roots—meaning they crave lots of light and warmth. While some types are perfect for your backyard pond, others are much happier living indoors in an aquarium.
Is the water hyacinth a good fit for your pond?
If we’re having a warm, humid summer, water hyacinths in the garden pond will feel right at home. However, they can’t stay out there year-round because they aren’t cold-hardy at all. Even a dip down to 50°F (10°C) can damage these sensitive beauties. To keep them happy, you’ll need to move them indoors to overwinter in a spot that stays at least 60°F (15°C).
Growing water hyacinths in a sunroom
A warm, bright sunroom or conservatory is the perfect sanctuary for a water hyacinth. You can keep them there all year or just use it as a winter retreat. They do great in aquariums, large decorative tubs, or mini-ponds—so feel free to get creative with your indoor water garden! Just a heads-up: they need plenty of light, ideally at least twelve hours a day.
When the conditions are nice and warm, water hyacinths grow surprisingly fast, making them super easy to propagate with cuttings. If you give them the right mix of light, warmth, and nutrients, they’ll reward you with gorgeous flowers. Their typical blooming season runs from June through September.
Water hyacinths in the aquarium
Water hyacinths actually thrive in an aquarium setting. It’s much easier to control their environment indoors since you can keep the water temperature steady and use grow lights to ensure they get enough “sunshine.” Add a little regular fertilizer to the mix, and you’ll likely see those lovely blossoms in no time.
Quick Highlights:
- Not winter-hardy
- Must overwinter at 60°F (15°C) or warmer
- Great for sunrooms or aquariums
- Needs lots of light and warmth
- High nutrient requirements
- Fast grower
Pro Tip: Since water hyacinths can’t handle the cold, they love a vacation in the garden pond during a hot summer. Just make sure to bring them back inside before those chilly autumn nights settle in!
