Pontederia

Description

Pontederia is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the family Pontederiaceae. It is commonly known as pickerelweed and is native to the Americas, ranging from Canada to Argentina. The plants are characterized by their large, lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 30cm long and 10cm wide. The flowers are arranged in spikes and come in shades of blue or violet.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Monocotyledonae
Order	Commelinales
Family	Pontederiaceae
Genus	Pontederia

Appearance

Pontederia plants have large, glossy leaves that are oval or lance-shaped. The leaves grow up to 30cm long and 10cm wide and are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are arranged in spikes that can grow up to 25cm long and come in shades of blue or violet. The plants can grow up to 1m tall and can spread up to 1.5m wide.

Care Guide

Pontederia plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and grow best in wet soil or shallow water. Regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth, and the plants can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Hardiness zones vary by species, but most varieties can survive in zones 4-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pontederia plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil or water they are grown in is not well-drained. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.

Habitat

Pontederia plants are native to the Americas and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and ponds. They are often used in landscaping around water features or in rain gardens.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Pontederia be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Pontederia can be grown in containers as long as they are filled with well-drained soil and kept moist.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Pontederia?

A: Pontederia plants should be fertilized monthly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Is Pontederia toxic to pets?

A: While Pontederia is not toxic to pets, it can be a choking hazard if ingested in large quantities.

Q: How do I propagate my Pontederia?

A: Pontederia plants can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.

Related Plants

• Eichhornia
• Ludwigia
• Hydrilla
• Eleocharis

References

• “Pontederia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281065&isprofile=0&basic=pontederia.
• “Pickerelweed.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP10400.pdf.
• “Pickerelweed.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pontederia-cordata/.