Pond plants bring life to ponds and enliven garden ponds with refreshing green leaves and vivid flowers. They are not only decorative, but also balance the ecosystem. There are a variety of aquatic plants to choose from, and each variety imparts characteristic properties to the pond environment. In general, it is best to plant them in ample sunlight. About one-third of the pond surface area must receive sunlight, to allow proper plant growth. When it comes to fish ponds, gold fish can thrive amidst any kind of plants, while certain precautions need to be taken for koi fish ponds.
Pond plants use the atmospheric carbon dioxide to prepare food in the presence of sunlight by a process called photosynthesis, and they give out oxygen. Most of them absorb nitrates and phosphates from the water, thereby preventing the growth of harmful algae. Special baskets with specifically formulated aquatic compost are used for arranging plants in a garden pond. The compost is particularly low in nitrogen and phosphorous. Alternatively, plastic planting pots may be used, but they should be covered with pebbles, so that they are not disturbed by fish. Koi fish are more destructive, when compared to gold fish. Pond plants are broadly classified as floating pond plants, water lilies, submerged pond plants and marginals.
Floating plants are not fixed to the soil and remain free floating. They help in clearing murkiness in the water, as they constantly absorb nitrates and phosphates, which are the primary cause of algae growth. Algae growth is checked by shading the pond to discourage photosynthesis in algae spores. Floating plants provide this shade, and their roots serve as a spawning medium for fish. They also serve to fill empty spaces. Water hyacinths with bulb-like leaves and attractive purple flowers are common floating plants. It is important to be carful about invasive floating plants that spread remarkably fast.
Water lilies are a favorite for most people and they give a fantastic look to the pond. There are more than fifty known varieties of water lilies, which show differences in size, shape, color and the time of their bloom. They also provide the shade required to check algae growth, and offer a hiding space to safeguard fish from predators like raccoons and herons.
Submerged pond plants are also called oxygenators, and their main function is to oxygenate the deeper areas of the pond. This is a vital feature to balance the pond ecosystem, and these plants also filter the water. Apart from serving as a spawning medium, they serve as food for the fish. Anacharis is an excellent example of a submerged plant. When observed under bright sunlight, it is possible to see oxygen bubbles coming out from the leaves of oxygenating plants.
Marginals are also called shallow or bog plants and they can be held in position using coir and pebbles to let them remain submerged. Iris varieties are excellent marginal plants. Cannas species bring a tropical atmosphere in the garden and they can be either planted in pots or submerged in soggy spots.
Pond plants add value to the environment whilst adding beauty to the landscape.
