Care of the aquatic plant Pontederia cordata or Pickerelweed |
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The genus Pontederia, family Pontederiaceae, includes 6 species of aquatic plants native to the American continent, from Argentina to Canada. Some species are: Pontederia cordata, Pontederia sagittata, Pontederia rotundifolia. Common names: Pickerelweed or Pickerel weed. They are rhizomatous herbaceous plants with erect stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are elongated heart-shaped and bright green. The showy blue flowers appear on erect spikes. They bloom in late summer. They are used in ponds and in pots for patios and terraces. It is advisable to plant them in submerged pots to control their expansion through rhizomes. The Pontederia cordata prefers a semi-shaded exposure receiving direct sunlight in the early hours of the day. They do best in temperate climates. The soil of the pond should be 40 cm (15") deep and can be a garden soil with peat. In pot use a substrate rich in organic matter. If they are grown in a pot, water abundantly so that the substrate is always soaked; place a plate under the pot. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer for aquatic plants. They do not need pruning but lateral expansion must be watched because they tend to be invasive. They are easily propagated by division of the rhizome during the spring. |
Images of the aquatic plant Pontederia cordata or Pickerelweed |
 Pontederia cordata  Pontederia cordata  Pontederia cordata  Pontederia cordata  Pontederia cordata |