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Water Plants
Ponds Introduction
Pond Design
New Pond Setup
Filtration
Algae Control
Lighting Your Pond
Water Plants
Pond Fish
Return to Landscape 101
Stocking the
pond with plants and fish can be great fun. Plants
provide a natural filtration system. They also increase the
beauty of the pond. Oxygenating plants provide shelter
for spawning fish and their fry as well as releasing oxygen
directly into the water in strong light. In addition,
plants take up mineral salts from the water that would
normally encourage the growth of algae. Fish eat
certain plants for food. Plants also provide hiding
places for fish from predators. They are very helpful
in achieving a balanced eco-system in your pond.
Certain water plants, such as water lilies, have beautiful
flowers.
Floating
plants, such as Water Hyacinths, Duckweed, and Water
Lettuce, float unanchored on the surface of the water with
their roots dangling below. These plants get all their
nutrients from the water by root absorption. All
floating varieties are tropical plants and will not survive
winter well. The roots of floating plants are a
favorite food of Koi.  
 The Water
Lily is justifiably the most popular of water plants.
It has brilliant blooms. At the same time, its leaves cover
the water surface to provide both shelter to fish and
welcome shade that prevents excessive algae growth.
The hardy varieties of Water Lily are usually the best
choice for the entry-level pond keeper. They are easy
to grow and last the winter in the pond without damage to
the rootstock, provided that the crown of the plant is
covered by at least 12 inches of water. There are over
250 species and cultivars of Water Lily available.
Another group
of aquatic plants are known as "oxygenators." They are
underwater plants, often referred to as "submerged" plants,
that grow below the surface of the water and play a role in
combating algae growth by consuming excess nutrients.
They work best when planted in large clusters or groupings
in the bottom of the pond.
 Anachraris
is a fast growing grass that will multiply rapidly, it is
also called the "Oxygen Weed". The fish love this
plant to feed on and to lay their eggs in. Vallisneria,
commonly called "eel grass", is a tall thin plant with
ribbon-like strands that move gracefully in the water.
Sagittaria is a good specimen plant and also a rapid grower.
Ponds Introduction
Pond Design
New Pond Setup
Filtration
Algae Control
Lighting Your Pond
Water Plants
Pond Fish
Return to Landscape 101 |
