Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pickerelweed on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Pontederiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata, commonly known as Pickerelweed, is a perennial aquatic plant native to the Americas. It is characterized by its attractive spikes of blue or violet flowers that emerge above the heart-shaped foliage, creating a vibrant contrast. It is ideal for ponds, shallow water features, or water gardens, adding a natural touch and habitat for local wildlife.
Native range
North and South America
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. Keep its roots submerged in water, ideally at a depth of 15 to 30 cm, although it tolerates shallower waters. It prefers nutrient-rich substrates, such as a mix of clay and pond soil. A common mistake is planting it in dry soil, as it is a strictly aquatic plant and will die without the necessary constant moisture.
How to save a dying Pickerelweed
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or brown leaves, rot at the base, no flowering.
- First aid
- Check water level (always submerged), move to full sun, remove damaged parts. If potted, check drainage.
- What kills it
- Constant lack of water (dries out quickly), excessive shade, poor soil lacking bottom nutrients.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if water or light issues are corrected in time. It's quite resilient with proper conditions.