Water plants for ponds vary in their structure and benefits they provide. Some water plants for ponds have roots floating in water, while others have their roots submerged in water.
These water plants in ponds help to reduce the blue green algae, amount of contamination in pond water and help to protect the plants and animals by providing shelter and essential nutrients.
The water plants in ponds also regulate the water temperature thus maintaining the pond ecosystem.
Different types of water plants for ponds
There are many types of Floating pond plants. Important among them are as follows:
Water Lilies: Water Lilies are floating-leaved plants with underwater roots and long, flexible stems growing up toward the light. They require conditions such as relatively calm water and full sun to thrive. They are good at absorbing oily substances from water, which are often the hardest ones to eliminate.
Water hyacinth: A fast-growing plant, water hyacinth can remove a range of impurities from the pond, from nutrients to heavy metals and organic compounds. It is regarded as an ideal choice for wastewater treatment.
Duckweed: The duckweed plant is anchored in its place with a root system. Its mat-like leaves prevent the spread of algae in the pond. Additionally, it absorbs heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates, making it an effective natural filter.
Bulrushes: Bulrushes make an excellent water purifier as they are capable of removing contaminants like oil, bacteria, nutrients, and organic from ponds. The plant is hardy and versatile, so it does not require much effort to grow and maintain.
Water lettuce: Water lettuce is another popular option for pond remediation as it can clean the decomposition byproducts and reduce the growth of algae by blocking sunlight in the water. It even deprives the algae of nutrients to retard its growth.
Creeping jenny : Creeping jenny grows underwater and thrives in ponds, lakes, streams, and bogs. It removes toxic elements from water and leaves it clean and clear.
Pickerel plant: Pickerel plant is a marginal or shallow water plant that serves effective filtration with its massive root system. Besides keeping the pond water clean and contaminant-free, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Horsetail reed: Horsetail reed is beneficial for aquatic ecosystems as the submerged stem of the plant serves as habitats for tiny aquatic organisms. At the same time, the debris from decaying plants offer a food source for these organisms. It is also good for filtering water.
Mosaic pond plant: The mosaic plant is another good one for cleaning water bodies. While the plant floats on the surface, its roots reach the bottom of the pond and absorb excess nutrients and contaminants from the water and soil.
Blue iris: Another plant that serves both aesthetics and functionality is the blue iris. It adds to the beauty of the pond and eliminates the toxins from the water, making it an ideal choice.
Taro pond plants: Taro plants actively remove nutrients, organic matter, and toxic pollutants from the water and soil surrounding their root systems. It can lower the nitrate and phosphate concentrations in water bodies.
How do floating gardens work?
How to choose the right water plants for your pond?
Choosing the right water plant for ponds can be a tough call, specifically when one wants to do it for the purpose of pollution removal . It helps to research first, then plan and finally plant.
While there is no tried and tested rule for plant selection, the following factors make it easy to decide on which plants to select.
- Size of the pond determines how many and which plants will offer enough coverage to reduce contaminants, preserve aquatic life, and control algae blooms.
- Climatic conditions also play a key role because not all plants can withstand the same temperatures and humidity levels.
- The choice of plants also depends on the level of sunlight available in the area because different variants thrive in full sun, partial sun, full shade or partial shade.
- Some plants grow well in deep areas, while others prefer shallow water, so the depth of the pond also influences the choice.
- Water flow rate is a key factor because not all plants are strong enough to grow in fast streams or under a waterfall.
Frequently asked questions
When should you plant pond plants?
Spring or early summer is the best time for planting in your pond. The water is warmer at this time of the year, and the plants are ready to bloom. Additionally, plants get enough time to take root before the warm weather sets in. You may also check the growing season for specific plants to get started accordingly.
What water plants should you use for your pond?
A wide variety of water plants is available for ponds, and each has specific characteristics. Ideally, you should choose ones with aesthetic value and functional benefits. Waterlilies, water hyacinth, duckweed, blue iris, creeping jenny, and water lettuce are some popular options.
What underwater plants keep a pond clean
Some species of water plants are great for cleaning the pond water naturally because they are capable of absorbing excess nutrients, contaminants, and organic matter from water and soil. They also retard the growth of algae underwater. The best part is that they filter naturally, so there is no need to treat the water with chemicals.
How do I add water plants to my pond?
While one can research different options for water plants and plant them in a pond, it is easier said than done. Moreover, choosing the right plants takes a great deal of research. The best way to add water plants to a pond is by investing in a floating garden. It is viable, easy to install, and sustainable. One need not spend a lot of time and effort on planting and maintaining a floating garden. They also enhance the aesthetics of water bodies without a massive investment.