Have a pond in the garden It is synonymous with peace, harmony and natural beauty. These small aquatic ecosystems not only provide a exceptional decorative value, but also create a serene atmosphere thanks to the sound of water and the interaction between flora and fauna. The right choice of aquatic plants It is key to both the health of the water and the aesthetics and biological balance of the pond.
Types of aquatic plants for ponds
The diversity of aquatic plants The range of plant types a pond can accommodate is very broad. Each type performs specific functions and, together, they contribute to keeping the water clean, oxygenated, and algae-free, as well as providing shelter and food for fish and invertebrates. Below, we detail the main plant groups, accompanied by tips, maintenance recommendations, and a selection of featured species.
Oxygenating plants
The oxygenating plants They often go unnoticed because most of their leaves and stems remain submerged. However, they are essential to the pond's ecosystem: They help clarify the water, oxygenate it and control algae. by absorbing minerals and carbon dioxide. It is best to plant 3 to 4 specimens per square meter Of surface.
- Ceratophyllum demersum (foxtail): Very hardy, floats without roots, and is ideal for beginners. Requires good lighting and filtration.
- elodea canadensis: It prefers nutrient-rich waters and moderate temperatures. It provides refuge and oxygen for small invertebrates.
- Myriophyllum verticillatum and M. aquaticum (water palm): Fast-growing, effective oxygenating plants. Be careful; they can be invasive in some environments.
- Vallisneria gigantea and V. tortifoliaLong, ribbon-like leaves; perfect for borders and greenery curtains. Adaptable to a variety of temperatures.
- Ranunculus aquatilis: Produces delicate white or cream flowers and prefers still waters, making it ideal for small ponds.
Tip: These plants tend to grow quickly, so they require periodic pruning to prevent overcrowding and ensure balance in the pond.
Floating plants
The floating plants They provide beauty and functionality. When placed on the surface, they offer shade and protection for the fish, prevent overheating and hinder algae growth. It is recommended that do not cover more than 50% of the surface to maintain light balance.
- Lemna minor (duckweed): Small in size, resistant to extreme temperatures and effective at blocking sunlight, reducing algae growth.
- Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce): Rosette of thick leaves, needs intense lighting and warm water.
- Salvinia natans and S. auriculata: Water ferns that form floating mats and provide shelter for juvenile fish.
- Hydrocharis-frog bites: Rounded leaves and white flowers; prefers calm waters and is very ornamental.
- Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth): Very showy purple flowers, although restricted in some regions due to its invasive nature.
- Trap natans: Characteristic leaves; its cultivation is permitted in several countries; a good option for providing shade.
Please note that some of these species may be prohibited locally due to their invasive potential. Always check the legality in your area before purchasing.
Shore plants
Shore plants or riparian are ideal for forming a natural transition between the edge of the pond and the garden. They hide artificial elements (such as tarps or pumps) and help stabilize slopes and protect against potential rot during water level fluctuations. For a deeper understanding of how to integrate these plants into your design, see what are aquatic plants.
- allium karataviense: Similar to dandelion, ideal for borders and humid areas.
- Caltha palustris: Dark green leaves and intense yellow flowering, very resistant.
- Carex muskingumensis and varieties such as C. pendula, C. riparia: They provide shade and texture, forming dense clumps.
- Aquatic mint: Aromatic leaves and pink or lilac flowers, excellent for providing aroma and attracting pollinators.
- Pink Primrose: It stands out for its strong pink flowers, perfect for adding color.
Marsh plants
The swamp plants They inhabit the margins of rivers, lakes and flooded areas. They contribute to the transition between the shore and the water and they are not completely aquatic: they can tolerate being partially submerged, but they also need time in moist soil, never permanently submerged. If you want to learn to distinguish them, we recommend how to understand the names of plants.
- Cyperus papyrus: Straight stem and star-shaped leaves, resistant to pests.
- Equisetum arvense (horsetail): Upright green stem, up to 90 cm tall.
- sibirica iris: Showy purple bloom along streams and ponds.
- Typha latifolia: Brown spikes and long leaves, widely used in wet edges.
- Juncus (glauca, maritimus, inflexus): Hardy herbs with fine leaves and good performance in waterlogged soils.
It's best to plant these species in very moist soil, near the pond or in shallow water. To learn more about how to find riparian plants, you can visit looking for riparian or margin plants.
Deep water plants
Deep-sea plants They develop from a depth of 40 cm, even reaching over 90 cm, and are essential for the oxygenation and balance of the pond. For recommended depths, consult types of deep-sea aquatic plants.
- Nymphaea (water lilies): Flowers, of diverse colors and shapes, are the protagonists of water gardens.
- Nelumbo nucifera (lotus flower): Known for its spiritual symbolism and its large flowers.
These plants need areas of calm water and depths appropriate to their species to flourish properly.
Maintenance and care of aquatic plants
Ensuring the well-being of aquatic plants involves addressing several key aspects:
- Suitable substrate: Use a specific substrate for aquatic plants, a heavy clay type to facilitate rooting. To find out which substrate is best, consult characteristics of an aquatic plant.
- Sunlight: Most need good light exposure to carry out photosynthesis.
- CO2 and water parameters: Maintaining a correct dose of carbon dioxide and controlling pH, hardness and nutrients is essential.
- Fertilizer: Use liquid fertilizers suitable for aquatic plants, preferably when there is already sufficient light and CO2.
- Regular pruning: Remove dead leaves and limit excessive spread of fast-growing species.
Aquatic plants generally tolerate cold better than extreme heat, with temperatures between 20°C and 26°C being ideal for most species.
Planting areas in the pond
The correct design of the pond contemplates the existence of six planting zones, adapted to the diversity of needs of each group of plants:
- Shore area: Plants that grow in moist soil and form the natural transition to water.
- Marsh area: Species that tolerate waterlogged soils and minimum depths.
- Semi-deep water zone: Plants with roots submerged up to 40 cm below the surface.
- Deep water zone: Ideal place for water lilies and lotuses, where the depth ranges from 40 cm to more than a meter.
- Oxygenator area: Central space for plants that purify and oxygenate the water.
- Floating area: Plants on the surface should occupy less than half of the pond to allow light to pass through.
The use of specific baskets For planting and controlling growth, pruning is highly recommended for most species. This prevents uncontrolled spread and facilitates maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Plants in Ponds
What functions do the plants in the pond perform?
Aquatic plants perform several essential functions: oxygenate the water, absorb nutrients and pollutants, prevent the development of algae and provide shelter for fish and microfauna. They also contribute to the aesthetic and biological balance of the aquatic environment.
What conditions do aquatic plants need to develop?
Aquatic plants mainly require abundant sunlight, adequate substrate, nutrients (fertilizer), CO2 and stable temperaturesMost thrive in clean, well-circulating water at a moderate temperature; they tolerate cold better than extreme heat.
In our store you can find natural aquatic plants of excellent quality and freshness, ready to add life and color to your pond, pool, lagoon, fountain, turtle tank, or natural pool. Our team provides you with professional advice and comprehensive materials with every order: from special baskets, fertilizer, substrate, and gravel, to detailed instructions for successful planting. Remember that plant orders are shipped Monday through Wednesday to ensure maximum product safety and freshness.
