This plant tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.5. Water hyacinth cannot tolerate hard freezes, although it survives light freezes with damage. The plant thrives at high temperatures. Introduced worldwide in sub-tropical and tropical climates. Its roots are useful as a spawning medium for plant spawning fish such as tetras, rainbowfish and some killifish.
Water hyacinth is a heavy feeder and is used for tertiary water treatment in sewer plants.
Apple snails will eat this plant if nothing more palatable is available. The snails eat the roots first, leaving the plant to die gradually unless it or the snail are removed. Water hyacinth requires bright light and rich, fertile water. Given these it grows lushly and rapidly. Otherwise, no special care is required.