Introduction to aquatic plants
Aquatic plants They play a fundamental role in nature and in the design of gardens and ponds. These species, also known as macrophytes, hydrophytes or hygrophytesThey have evolved to survive in highly humid environments or directly in water, whether freshwater or saline. Their adaptation allows them to colonize lakes, rivers, swamps, lagoons, marshes, deltas, and even ephemeral ponds, making them one of the most versatile forms of plant life.
These plants not only add beauty to aquatic spaces, but they also perform essential ecological functions such as Nutrient filtration, water oxygenation, shelter and food for wildlife and control of the biological balance of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, many species have been traditionally exploited by humans for various purposes, from agriculture to the manufacture of practical and handcrafted objects.
What characterizes aquatic plants?
Aquatic plants exhibit structural and physiological adaptations that allow them to thrive in flooded or highly humid environments. Key characteristics include:
- Aerial and floating fabrics: Some species produce spongy, air-filled tissues or specialized structures to float on the surface and facilitate gas exchange.
- Adapted root systems: Some species have reduced or modified roots, while others generate extensive networks to anchor themselves in soft and muddy bottoms.
- Hypoxia tolerance: They have developed mechanisms to survive in low-oxygen waters, including roots with aeration channels.
- Ways to reproduce: Many can be easily multiplied by fragmentation, rhizomes or aquatic seeds, allowing them to colonize large areas quickly.
Furthermore, although most are found in environments of sweet water, there are also specialized species that resist the salinity, such as mangroves or marsh plants.
Classification of aquatic plants
La classification of aquatic plants It can vary according to botanical criteria, but is generally based on the degree of immersion and its position in the ecosystem. We can mainly distinguish the following groups:
- Floating plants: They live freely on the surface, absorbing nutrients directly from the water, without needing to take root in the seabed. Examples: Salvinia natans, Pistia stratiotes, Lemna minor. Explore the different species and their adaptation.
- Submerged plants: They develop leaves, stems, and roots underwater, although they may occasionally produce flowers or floating reproductive structures. Examples: Elodea canadensis, Vallisneria spiralis, Egeria dense. Learn about oxygenating plants.
- Emerging plants: They root at the bottom, but display part of their morphology (stems, leaves, and flowers) above the water level. Examples: Cyperus papyrus, Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus.
- Marsh or riverside plants: They live in swampy areas or on the banks of bodies of water, enduring temporary or permanent flooding. Examples: Juncus, Acorus calamus, Phragmites australis.
- Oxygenating plants: Their main function is to release oxygen into the water, promoting the development of a healthy ecosystem. They are usually submerged. Examples: Elodea, Ceratophyllum demersum. .
Each group performs specific ecological functions and is essential for maintaining natural balance, so it is advisable to combine several types when creating ponds, aquariums, or natural pools.
Ecological functions and benefits of aquatic plants
Aquatic plants are undisputed allies in improving water quality and conserving habitats. Among their most notable functions are:
- Natural filtration: They absorb nutrients and pollutants, helping to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen levels, elements that promote algae growth.
- Water oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, they provide essential oxygen for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Shelter and food: They provide habitat and food for invertebrates, fish, amphibians and aquatic birds.
- Erosion reduction: Riparian plants stabilize soils and banks, preventing wear and tear caused by wind and water.
- Promotion of biodiversity: Their presence increases the variety of species in any aquatic ecosystem.
Main types of aquatic plants and examples
Floating plants
They are ideal for covering the surface of ponds and aquariums, creating shade and preventing excessive algae growth. They don't require substrate or pots, as they float freely.
- Salvinia natans: Fast-growing aquatic fern, very useful for light control.
- Lemna minor (duckweed): Small floating leaves with a great capacity to multiply.
- Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce): Ornamental plant with long, thin roots hanging in the water.
- Phyllanthus fluitans: It stands out for its reddish leaves and its peculiar aesthetic beauty.
Submerged plants
They are excellent oxygenators and help keep the water clear. Their entire vegetative system is underwater.
- Cabomba australis: Dense, feathery foliage, highly appreciated for its decorative and oxygenating effect.
- Vallisneria spiralis: Tough, fast-growing, ribbon-like leaves are used in both aquariums and ponds.
- Elodea canadensis: Very common in aquariums, it stands out for its hardiness and reproductive capacity.
- Ceratophyllum demersum (foxtail): Rootless plant, excellent oxygenator and overcomer of eutrophic waters.
- Utricularia vulgaris (lentibular): It is a submerged or floating carnivorous plant, with tiny traps to catch small aquatic invertebrates.
Emerging plants
These species root in the bottom of ponds and lagoons, but their vegetative parts rise above the water. Many have spectacular blooms and are useful for protecting banks.
- Cyperus papyrus (papyrus): Widely used in gardening and historically known for papermaking in ancient times.
- Juncus (rush): Plants with cylindrical stems, ideal for riparian areas and good soil stabilizers.
- Typha latifolia (bulrush): Characterized by its brown spikes, resistant and traditional use.
- Iris pseudacorus (yellow lily): It has large, yellow flowers; excellent for shallow areas and the shores of lakes and rivers.
- Ranunculus aquatilis (water buttercup): It blooms with small white flowers and is common in shallow waters.
Marsh or riparian plants
Adapted to living in waterlogged soils or in transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. They tend to have large roots and tolerate periods of flooding well.
- Phragmites australis (reed): Of great height, it forms dense reed beds on the banks.
- Acorus calamus (aromatic calamus): Aromatic, used in gardening and with applications in traditional medicine.
- Equisetum palustre (horsetail): Prehistoric-looking plant with hollow, jointed stems.
Specialized oxygenation plants
- Myriophyllum spicatum (thousand leaves): Fine and highly branched, it produces intense oxygenation and serves as a refuge for fry.
- Ceratophyllum demersum: In addition to oxygenating, it competes with algae and prevents their proliferation.
Other notable examples of aquatic plants and their ornamental and ecological importance
- Nelumbo nucifera (lotus): Its large flowers and majestically floating leaves make the lotus an ornamental gem. It also withstands mild frosts and is a symbol of purity in many cultures.
- Nymphaea (water lily): Considered the queen of ponds for its large, colorful flowers, the water lily beautifies and oxygenates the water, making it essential in water gardens.
- Aldrovanda vesiculosa: Floating carnivorous plant, purifies water of small insects and larvae, providing biological balance.
Tips for selecting and maintaining aquatic plants
Incorporating aquatic plants into ponds, aquariums, or natural pools requires considering factors such as climate, water type (fresh/salt), pH, salinity, available nutrient levels, and sunlight. To achieve a rich and healthy ecosystem, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose native species whenever possible, as they will be adapted to the local climate and conditions, facilitating their development and promoting biodiversity.
- Balance the number of plants, since an excess can hinder the exchange of nutrients and generate accumulation of organic matter, while a shortage will facilitate the growth of algae.
- Keep a regular pruning and remove plant debris to prevent nitrogen buildup and the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
- Controls pH and phosphates water, since each plant has different requirements and, for its optimal development, environmental values must be adapted to its needs.
- Consider the flowering characteristics and foliage persistence depending on whether you want to enjoy green plants all year round or seasonal blooms.
Aquatic plants in naturalized pools and gardening
The use of aquatic plants in the creation of natural pools is booming thanks to its ability to filter impurities and keep the water clean without the need for chemicals. To achieve this, it is essential to select the most suitable species, such as those you can find in our guide to aquatic plants for ponds.
When selecting species, prioritize those adapted to the climate and water pH of your area. Plants of regeneration zone are usually the most suitable, and combining them with floating and submerged plants guarantees biological balance and aesthetic appeal. Some species recommended for filtration and purification of the water are: Typha, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus, Phragmites, Callitriche palustris and Ceratophyllum.
Do not forget that the correct maintenance It is basic: perform deep pruning at least once a year and control excessive growth to avoid densities that reduce the effectiveness of the filtering system or produce ecological imbalances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Plants
- Are they all suitable for aquariums? Not all aquatic plants are suitable for aquariums; it's important to choose species that tolerate the lighting, space, and temperature conditions of the aquarium.
- How do they spread? Propagation can be vegetative (by fragmentation, rhizomes, stolons) or sexual (seeds that germinate underwater).
- Can they survive out of water? Some aquatic plants can withstand brief periods out of water, but most require constant humidity or semi-submerged conditions.
- What advantages do they have over terrestrial plants in aquatic landscaping? They oxygenate the water, filter pollutants, provide shelter for wildlife, and reduce the risk of uncontrolled algae growth, keeping the aquatic ecosystem in balance.
