Abstract: A method and means for application of wastewater to plants for improved wastewater treatment having an overhead distribution system for application of wastewater to plants. Purification of agricultural, commercial, domestic, mining and industrial liquid wastes by passage of said wastes through a shallow basin, pond, tank or the like covered with water or other species of Pontederiaceae, e.g. Pontederia spp., in particular, and other species cultured in a hydroponic mode in conjunction with or separately from Pontederiaceae, is accomplished by distribution of recycled liquid waste onto leaves and stems of the plants by spraying, sprinkling, splashing or the like.