In one study, two plants produced 1200 daughter plants in four months. Individual plants break off of the mat and are dispersed by water currents. As many as 5000 seeds can be produced by a single plant. Seeds are eaten and transported by water fowl. The seeds sink to the bottom and may remain viable for 15 years.
Seedlings are common on mud banks exposed by low water levels.
The best way to manage water hyacinth is to keep it from becoming established in Washington. Grass carp will eat water hyacinth and the plant can be managed with herbicides. All management options are very expensive and require an ongoing commitment. Never delibrately introduce water hyacinth into a lake, stream or other waterbody in Washington.