Troubleshooting
Pontederia cordata problems — and how to fix them
Pontederia cordata (Pontederia cordata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Spreads aggressively
In a fertile pond it can outcompete neighbours; confine to a basket and thin the rhizomes every couple of years to keep it in bounds.
Caterpillar and beetle leaf damage
Pickerelweed borer and assorted beetles chew holes in the heart-shaped leaves; light damage is cosmetic, but pick off heavy infestations by hand.
Few flowers in shade
Plants in too little sun produce sparse spikes and lush leaf instead; move to a sunnier margin to restore blooming.
Dieback if water dries
It collapses quickly if the rootzone dries; maintain standing water or saturated mud through the whole season.
Prevent pontederia cordata problems before they start
Most pontederia cordata issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Pontederia cordata varieties: common problems
Looking for pontederia cordata in general rather than its problems? Read the full pontederia cordata care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pontederia cordata problems — FAQ
Why is my pontederia cordata spreads aggressively?
In a fertile pond it can outcompete neighbours; confine to a basket and thin the rhizomes every couple of years to keep it in bounds.
Why is my pontederia cordata caterpillar and beetle leaf damage?
Pickerelweed borer and assorted beetles chew holes in the heart-shaped leaves; light damage is cosmetic, but pick off heavy infestations by hand.
Why is my pontederia cordata few flowers in shade?
Plants in too little sun produce sparse spikes and lush leaf instead; move to a sunnier margin to restore blooming.
Why is my pontederia cordata dieback if water dries?
It collapses quickly if the rootzone dries; maintain standing water or saturated mud through the whole season.