How to Clean a Water Hyacinth

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The water hyacinth is a plant that is often used in pond gardens because it is easy to grow and once planted will usually continue to grow back every year. The main problem with the water hyacinth plant is that sometimes it can overgrow an entire pond. The root systems are also large and thick, which can often capture undesired contaminants in the pond. Cleaning the water hyacinth roots helps the plant grow better and also helps to curb the spread of undesired plants and algae in a pond. Water hyacinth plants can be cleaned in just a few minutes with very little trouble.

Difficulty:
Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:
  • Water hyacinth plants
  • Pond
  • Large bucket
  • Water soluble fertilizer
  • Rubber gloves
  • Old scissors
  • Hose
    1. Pull the water hyacinth up out of the water. If the roots have reached the bottom of the pond this can be difficult, but a little tugging and the roots should come free. If not, use the scissors to cut away the roots from the bottom of the pond.
    2. Pull apart the separate hyacinth shoots. The roots can be cut away a little with scissors to separate the shoots. Gently shake off any clumps of dirt or pond gunk.
    3. Lay the hyacinth plants outdoors and gently rinse with a hose to eliminate most of the dirt. Gather the plants together and dip gently into a bucket full of water. Continue to dip the plants into the water until all dirt, grime and slime has been removed from the roots.
    4. Fill a large bucket with water. Mix in a fertilizer that is used for water plants. If you have fish in your pond as well, make sure the fertilizer is safe for fish consumption. Place the hyacinth plants in the fertilized water overnight.
    5. Take the plants out of the fertilized water and replace in their original location. Remove any yellowed or dead leaves.

Tips & Warnings

  • Wear old clothes and shoes when cleaning the hyacinth plants. It is likely that you will get wet.

  • Wearing rubber gloves will help prevent you from getting slimy dirt and pond gunk on your fingers.

  • Replacing the pond water in small ponds will help prevent the gunk from building back up as quickly. Deep ponds can be raked for weeds and a net can be used to scoop out some of the larger debris.

  • Do not leave the hyacinth plants out of the water overnight. They can dry out and die easily.


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