Plants are an important part of the ecological
system in your water garden or koi pond. Pond plants are also an essential part of pond upkeep.
If you do not have plants in your pond, you will have an abundance of algae. Plants and algae
compete for the nutrients in the water. Pond plants are very nice to look at and they will actually
help you in several ways. You will want a good selection and variety of aquatic plants for your
ornamental fish pond or water garden. Plants help filter your water by converting fish waste into
plant food. Pond Plants use koi waste as a fertilizer. Plants also provide oxygen for your koi and
protect them from predators with surface coverage. Aquatic plants will also assist in providing your
koi with good spawning habitat. There are many plants available for water gardens and ponds. We
offer a huge selection of aquatic water plants to choose from. All water plants perform a necessary
function while beautifying your pond. All water plants add real value to their environment.
During the day water garden pond plants breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In the
evening, pond plants breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Water garden pond plants convert
carbon dioxide into oxygen. Plants use this carbon dioxide to produce energy or photosynthesis. All
pond plants consume nitrogen chemicals, such as, nitrates and phosphates that build up in the water.
Let your water garden plants work for you to balance your pond environment. Plant foliage will
absorb carbon dioxide and minerals from the water which will in turn, starve the algae. Pond plants
are needed to prevent your pond water from looking green and murky, as algae will grow out of
control without them. Removing nitrates can reduce weeds and algae so that they are less of a
problem. Pond plants are necessary to achieve a quality water balance and provide surface coverage
in your garden pond.
Pond plants fall into four basic groups:
oxygenators, floaters, deep water aquatics, and bog plants. The health of your pond relies on the
importance of each of these groups. Aquatic Plants provide a wide range of options for your growing
habitat.
Submersed or Oxygenating Plants grow totally
submerged and perform the important functions of competing with algae for nutrients in the pond and
providing cover for protection and spawning grounds for pond fish. Submersed pond water plants are
particularly good at oxygenating the pond water. Bubbles of oxygen can be observed coming from the
leaves of these plants.
Floating plants just float on the surface of the
pond and don’t need to be rooted in a planter. A variety of these plants are important to the
natural balance of your garden pond. Floating Plants such as Water Hyacinths and Water Lettuce
provide shade and cover for your pond. Floating aquatic plant foliage should cover approximately 60%
of the pond surface area in order to achieve a good balance. Pond plants will keep the water cool in
the summer and help keep algae away.
Deep Water Plants include Lotus and Water Lilies.
These pond plants will bloom incredibly when fertilized with adequate amounts of fish safe
aquatic plant fertilizer. Water Lilies are available in hardy and tropical varieties. These are also
good plants for adding color and variety to your pond.
Bog Plants or marginals include well known species such as cattails, cannas, grasses and
reeds. Bog plants grow well in the shallower areas of your pond or water garden from two to twelve
inches of water depending on size and type. Bog Plants do well in the moist conditions and boggy
areas around the rim of the pond. Choose plants for around the pond to blend in with the garden pond
and surroundings.
Pond plants will help create a beautiful pond
appearance and give your water feature the finished look that you are striving for.
