Ponds Introduction    Pond Design    New Pond Setup Filtration    Algae Control    Lighting  Your Pond
Water Plants    Pond Fish
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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

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.
 

Hardy Water Lilies

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.

Underwater Plants

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