How to Clean a Water Hyacinth

Overview

While they are easy to grow and care for, water hyacinths do require some basic maintenance to stay healthy and to prevent them from dirtying the water instead of purifying it. Dead leaves, broken pieces and overgrown roots must be cleaned away regularly. This should be done near the end of the growing season or whenever the plants start to become overgrown. Regular cleaning of your water hyacinths also helps them to grow faster, creating more plants for you or to pass on to your friends.

Step 1

Mix approximately one teaspoon of bleach with one cup of warm water.

Step 2

Clean the scissors or pruning shears with the bleach solution to disinfect them. Disinfecting tools prior to using them on the water hyacinth prevents the spread of disease.

Step 3

Remove the water hyacinth from the water, using a rake or long-handled net to gently pull them out.

Step 4

Gently pull the water hyacinths apart, separating the growth clumps from each other.

Step 5

Spray each water hyacinth with a gentle stream of water to remove any dirt and debris.

Step 6

Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems by gently pulling them off and discarding. According to Aqualand Pets Plus, damaged hyacinth leaves will not re-grow or repair themselves, and should be completely removed.

Step 7

Trim the roots back to about twice the length of the top of the plant.

Step 8

Return the cleaned water hyacinth plants to the water.