Is water hyacinth the same as water hyacinth? The three simplest steps to grow water hyacinth at home

Today I introduce a perennial herb that is both medicinal and edible, named water hyacinth, also known as water hyacinth. It is native to South America and counts as an invasive plant. In northern regions, gardening enthusiasts treat it as a treasure, because it is grown in water tanks and also has very high medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, its whole plant and roots can be used as medicine, having the effects of dispersing wind and dissipating heat, promoting diuresis and treating strangury, and clearing heat and detoxifying. It can usually be used for symptoms such as wind-heat common cold, edema with scanty urine, and wind rash, sores and boils.

Water hyacinth has a well-developed root system, and its leaves often float on the water surface. After flowering, the colors include red, pink, white, yellow, blue, etc. Its flower language is purity, nobility and tranquility, and it can be easily purchased in the flower market. For daily care, first, it likes a hot and humid climate and has a certain degree of cold resistance. The suitable survival temperature is around 16 to 34 degrees Celsius, and it can still grow when the temperature exceeds 35°C. When it is below 10 degrees, it basically enters a semi-dormant state and stops growing, so at this time watering should keep the soil dry.

Second, in terms of soil, it likes to grow in shallow ponds with fertile soil, and a water depth of about 30 cm is suitable. It can grow in shallow water all year round. In nature, it can grow even in water bodies with relatively fast flow. In wetlands, its roots will take root in the mud and grow. When kept in a fish tank, its overall state is drifting with the water, which looks very pleasant.

Finally, for aquatic herbaceous plants like water hyacinth, there is basically no need to fertilize them. Other things to note include pests and diseases. Generally speaking, diseases rarely occur. However, if the overall ambient temperature is relatively low, or air circulation is poor, pests such as cabbage caterpillars can also occur. Once the pests appear, they will gnaw on its tender leaves. When there are only a few, they can be caught with a filter net. If it becomes a widespread phenomenon, dimethoate emulsion should be used to kill them.

In terms of being both medicinal and edible, besides the medicinal value mentioned above, water hyacinth is rich in nutrients such as crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber, so it is itself a nutrient-rich ingredient too! During its flowering period from August to September, the tender leaves and flowers can be picked and eaten directly. The taste is fresh and refreshing, and eating it is good for constipation.