Ipomoea aquatica is found in fresh water aquatic habitats (PIER, 2003). I. aquatica has been found primarily in canals and ditches but also invades lakes. It grows well in moist soil or in still to flowing waters (Langeland K.A. & Burks K.C, 1999).
I. aquatica dwells in muddy stream banks, freshwater pond and lakes, and marshes. It is confined to the tropics and subtropics zones because it is susceptible to frosts and because it does not grow well when temperatures are below 23.9 degrees Celsius. Because of its prolific growth, this species can invade moist cultivated areas, such as rice and sugar cane fields, and other areas with varying water levels (Fears, UNDATED).