Eichhornia crassipes is an incredibly attractive plant, but should be reserved only for large aquariums. In its natural environment in the Gulf States it grows prolifically to the extent of being a nuisance to navigation.
The plant floats on the water surface, with dark bushy roots suspended below. This root mass is extremely helpful for breeding species of fish that drop adhesive eggs near the surface. The leaves of Eichhornia crassipes are a shiny green, and grow within the shape of rosettes. The plant obtains its buoyancy from swellings within the leaf stem near the root. The swellings are filled with a sponge-like tissue.
The hyacinth-like flower, which is lavender colored, will bloom under the stimulus of bright light, but it’ll only last a matter of hours.