text: Effects of environmental conditions Environmental conditions can have a strong effect on this plant. S. molesta can survive on a mud bank for a short period of time, but because of the dry conditions, it cannot live there permanently. It grows best at a pH of 6–7.7 and at a water temperature of 20–30 °C. Growth can be increased in high light intensities. S. molesta cannot grow in high salt concentrations; the increase in salt causes a decrease in chlorophyll.
  Methods of introduction
  The plant originated in southeast Brazil and was exported as part of the pet industry to be used in aquaria and garden ponds. From there, it escaped or was deliberately released into the wild. It may also have been brought in with fresh, iced fish. Once in a waterway, it can be spread by infested boats, which not only spread it to new areas, but also break up the plant, allowing it to propagate. It also is spread by waterfowl. S. molesta has been spread by contaminated aquatic plant stocks, boats, and other watercraft. The movement of water spreads S. molesta, and the sale and exchange of S. molesta materials increases chances of release to the environment.
  Potential use for cleaning water pollution
  Research done in the Philippines suggested the effectiveness of S. molesta for the treatment of blackwater effluent for an eco-friendly sewage system that uses a constructed wetland to clean the water. The result of the study showed that it can remove 30.77% of total suspended solids, 74.70% dissolved oxygen and 48.95% fecal coliform from the water.