Water Hyacinth: A Weaving Material For Wicker Baskets
Water hyacinth is among sustainable plants that Vietnamese people take advantage of its flexible, soft nature for producing wicker baskets bulk. Despite being a nuisance for waterways, water hyacinth has been gradually exploited and transformed into many functional home goods wholesale.
What is Water Hyacinth Wicker?
Introduction about Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth, commonly identified as a free-floating and flowering invasive aquatic plant that is native to the Amazon Basin, South America, globally naturalized, and frequently invasive outside of its native region. In Vietnam, water hyacinth is present in most provinces, commonly found in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Water hyacinth has glossy, thick ovate leaves which are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide. These leaves are elevated above the water by tuber-like nodules that float at the base. Their stalks (stems) are bulbous, spongy and often range from 50 to 70 cm in length. This plant is noticeable by its flower, which has 8–15 blooms per single spike; most flowers are lavender to pink and have six petals, supported by an upright stalk.
Water hyacinth is known for rapid growth, which can form and increase a dense mat after a short time. It has additionally been proven that a common water hyacinth can double in size within five to fifteen days. On a yearly basis, each plant can produce thousands of seeds, and the seeds can remain viable for over 28 years.
Characteristics of Water Hyacinth Wicker
Stalks (stems) are the part that local people harvest and use for homeware production. Water hyacinth stalks are spongy, bulbous and lightweight; contain air-filled tissues that keep the plant afloat. After being dried under the sun for about 2-3 days, the stalks become soft, shiny and have a natural warm yellow-brown color.
Thanks to the durable property, water hyacinth stems are regarded as a great weaving material for manufacturing wicker baskets bulk and other home décor items. If water hyacinth is processed and woven finely, their products can last up to 3 to 5 years of use. This material is 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and safe for users and eco–friendly as well.
Similar to seagrass (sedge) and other natural fibers, dried water hyacinth has good hygroscopicity, and is prone to molds. Therefore, we suggest that the moisture content required for water hyacinth homewares should range from 12% to 23%. It will probably play a role in preventing mold, as well as retaining the quality and aesthetic of products.
Application of Water Hyacinth Wicker
The stems of water hyacinth have been applied to create a wide range of products such as baskets, mats, shoes, sandals, especially homewares.
Here are some main ranges of home goods wholesale that water hyacinth stems can be transformed into:
Baskets: Perhaps one of the most widely known uses of water hyacinth is in basket form. Wicker baskets bulk can be made in many different sizes and eye-catching designs for various functions, such as water hyacinth cube basket, water hyacinth storage bins with handles, water hyacinth hanging basket,…
Trays: The tray is also created from the body of the water hyacinth. Many trays will have a metal frame so that the trays can stay in shape. Water hyacinth trays can be useful in not only kitchens for serving food, but also other rooms and outdoor gatherings as storage and decor accents. Common types of trays are round water hyacinth tray, water hyacinth hamper with lid by arrow weave.
Lamps: By fusing water hyacinth with light bulbs, beautiful water hyacinth natural woven lamp shade for the house may be created. This product frequently has to be weaved around a metal frame, much like other items.
Decorative accessories: Water hyacinth wicker pots for plants or wall mirrors can be made from water hyacinth. The highlight of these items lies in the combination of water hyacinth colors and handmade knitting to create a vintage concept for the house.
