Eichhornia azurea questions

[observant_imp]

I just got a stem of this as part of a plant package off aquabid. It's really cool looking and I don't want to kill it.

Does anyone know if it will take the high temps in a discus tank? The little info I've found on it states it's a difficult plant to grow. Are there any tips/tricks/advice for keeping healthy besides high light, high CO2, and keeping my fert levels up?

Thanks,

[shalu]

I also got it last week from aquabid, have it in my discus tank. Seems like an easy and fast grower. No wonder it is federal obnoxious weed. shhhhhh

[BlueRam]

This is the plant that got Eichhornia diversifolia in trouble. Although I am having a hard time finding it on my states prohibited list, Tom Barr is on record saying that it is also a prohibited plant. Stupid azurea.

As a large floating plant, might it do better in a pond or such.?.

[shalu]

My understanding is that the floating leaf form is quite different from underwater form. It makes a great centerpiece plant in a large tank. E. diversifolia is so much smaller, very beautiful in its own way.

[Momotaro]

The floating leaf form is very different.

It is reminiscent of the common Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) you see sold at many nurseries that feature water garden plants.

Mike

[AaronT]

Do not let Eichornnia azurea grow out of the top of your tank. If it converts to emersed form it will not convert back to submersed form. Other than that treat it as you would any other difficult stem and it should be fine.

[observant_imp]

Thanks guys. It's good to know it's a nox plant--Hubby usually takes my trimmings to his store to sell. It's important I keep track of what I can't send in.

GMOP--thanks for the tip on not letting it break the surface.

[plantbrain]

It's not us that's the issue, it's when someone that has a pond grows it, seeds etc, birds that fly to other ponds, and it's as bad Water Hyacinth.
Still, we trade it and some pond person ends up with it.
Just mulch it, freeze it, compost it deep.

It's not a state by state banned plant, it's a USDA federal ban.
It's a nice dramatic plant, but heck, it grows so fast few can keep up with it for long periods and you need at least a 75 gal or larger tank just to deal with a 12-16" wide plant that grows 2-4" a day. Weekly hackings are required.
Most give up on it after a few months. I did, so has everyone else I know.

It is a highly agressive weed. Once it breaks the surface, that's when it goes into hyperdrive. It seems to be able to handle colder temps than Hyacinth so it has a worse potential further north and has a longer growing season.

Planted folks are good about weeds, but the goldfish folks, folks that have ponds and use weeds for Koi food etc are the main issue. They wioll plant weeds in local ponds and streams to have a source of fresh weeds for their fish and after the winter, sometimes the weeds are added for cover for fry and fisheries in ponds/lakes. Every once in a while we will find something the aquarist may have released but it's very rare plant wise.

Regards,
Tom Barr