During the summer, the water hyacinth is a total showstopper in any garden pond. With those stunning blooms, it’s no wonder people love them! You’ll even see this tropical beauty popping up in aquariums. But where does it actually thrive, and how much of a chill can it really handle?
Does the water hyacinth tolerate cold?
The short answer? Not at all. Water hyacinths are definitely not hardy, and that goes for every variety out there. They can’t handle frost, and honestly, they aren’t fans of the cold in general. You really want to keep both the water and air temperatures above 60°F (15°C). If it gets too chilly, the plant will stop growing and might even start to rot. Pro tip: Water in a small container or “mini pond” usually warms up faster than a big, deep pond.
By October at the latest, it’s time to pull the plant out of the pond and move it to a cozy winter home. If that sounds like too much work or you’re short on space, you can always let it go for the season and just pick up a fresh one next spring.
Where should you keep your water hyacinth in the winter?
Once those night temperatures start dipping below 60°F, bring your water hyacinth inside to a bright, warm spot. A heated sunroom with plenty of light is perfect. You can overwinter them in an aquarium or even just a large tub. Just remember: they are hungry for nutrients and need a ton of light to survive the off-season.
Can the water hyacinth live in an aquarium year-round?
If you’ve got a big enough aquarium, your water hyacinth can absolutely make it its permanent home. The catch is that it needs about 12 hours of light a day. If your standard tank hood isn’t bright enough, you’ll want to add a supplemental light source. If you keep it happy and well-lit, it’ll even bloom right there in your living room!
Quick Highlights:
- Not winter-hardy.
- Needs lots of light, warmth, and nutrients during the winter.
- Can be overwintered in a heated sunroom or greenhouse.
- An aquarium in the house is a great alternative.
- It can bloom indoors if conditions are right.
Tip: Instead of a big pond, try growing your water hyacinth in a large decorative pot or a mini-pond. It’s much easier to control the “micro-climate” that way, and moving it indoors when the weather turns is a breeze!
