PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 4 hours of direct sun to produce abundant blooms
Watering
Maintain 5–15 cm of shallow, still or slow-moving water; avoid stagnant or heavily polluted water
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25℃; tolerates brief dips to 5℃ during winter dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy green, 10–20 cm long, emergent or floating on long petioles
- Flower: Dense terminal spikes of violet-blue flowers with yellow markings; individual blooms last one day
- Stem: Succulent, hollow stems anchored by fibrous rhizomes in shallow water
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent water level; top up with dechlorinated water as needed
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic plant feed applied to substrate once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent nutrient runoff and algae blooms
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20, and apply directly to aquatic substrate to avoid water cloudingPruning
- Trim spent flower spikes promptly to encourage prolonged blooming
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain water clarity and plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no known toxic compounds
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental pond plant; provides shelter and foraging habitat for aquatic insects and small wildlife; used in wetland restoration projects
