Troubleshooting
Pontederia cordata 'Alba' problems — and how to fix them
Pontederia cordata 'Alba' (Pontederia cordata 'Alba') 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.
Vigorous spread
Like the species it can dominate a small pond; grow in a contained basket and divide periodically to limit spread.
Reversion or mixed colour
Seedlings around an 'Alba' plant may revert to blue; rogue out blue-flowered seedlings to keep the white planting pure.
Leaf-chewing insects
Pickerelweed borer and beetles nibble the foliage; hand-pick heavy infestations and tolerate minor cosmetic holing.
Collapse if dried out
Drying of the rootzone causes rapid wilting and dieback; keep standing water or saturated mud at all times.
Prevent pontederia cordata 'alba' problems before they start
Most pontederia cordata 'alba' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common pontederia cordata problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Pontederia cordata 'Alba' watering schedule
- Pontederia cordata 'Alba' light requirements
- Best soil mix for pontederia cordata 'alba'
- Pontederia cordata 'Alba' temperature & humidity
- Full pontederia cordata 'alba' care guide
Looking for the species overview? Pontederia cordata — the full care guide.
Other Pontederia cordata varieties
Pontederia cordata 'Alba' problems — FAQ
Why is my pontederia cordata 'alba' vigorous spread?
Like the species it can dominate a small pond; grow in a contained basket and divide periodically to limit spread.
Why is my pontederia cordata 'alba' reversion or mixed colour?
Seedlings around an 'Alba' plant may revert to blue; rogue out blue-flowered seedlings to keep the white planting pure.
Why is my pontederia cordata 'alba' leaf-chewing insects?
Pickerelweed borer and beetles nibble the foliage; hand-pick heavy infestations and tolerate minor cosmetic holing.
Why is my pontederia cordata 'alba' collapse if dried out?
Drying of the rootzone causes rapid wilting and dieback; keep standing water or saturated mud at all times.