Hydrocharis laevigata (West Indian spongeplant)

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in frost-free areas in full sun in shallow, still, alkaline water. Keep the upper surface of the leaves dry. Plants are less vigorous in deeper water where the plants float on the surface. Considered an invasive, noxious weed in many introduced areas, particularly the United States, and some areas of Africa and Europe. In aquariums, grow in water temperatures 17-28C (64-84F) i moderate to bright, ideally natural light.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Aquatic

UK hardiness

H6

USDA zones

Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Mat-forming

Native to

Central America, South America, Western Asia

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic