Aquatic plants in the pond »They bring this benefit

The benefits of aquatic plants in the pond

Aquatic plants keep the pond water natural algae free and clean. In this sense, they are the best wastewater treatment plants. The plants filter nutrients from the water in order to use them for their own growth. Through this behavior they deprive algae of their livelihood (can only multiply strongly in nutrient-rich water).

Which aquatic plants are suitable for the pond?

Which aquatic plants are ideal for your pond depends on the exact nature of the latter. It is important to differentiate between deep water and shallow water zones and to adapt the choice of plants accordingly.

Differentiate between deep and shallow water zones

Pond plants only thrive in the right depth of water for them. Therefore, it is essential to research the depth of various aquatic plants before buying new ones Pond zones to investigate. Always measure from the top of the pond soil to the surface of the water.

Note: The sales label on the respective plant will normally tell you which aquatic plant needs which depth of water. If in doubt, ask the dealer.

Also, keep in mind that you will commonly use plant baskets to plant the aquatic plants (especially for vigorous plants with an urge to spread, such as reeds and cane grass belong). A large basket is around 20 centimeters high. You have to take this value into account when buying aquatic plants for your pond.

Example: The deepest part of a pond is often around 80 to 100 centimeters. If you subtract the height of a large plant basket from this, you will get a "remaining depth" of 60 to 80 centimeters. This is the optimal depth for many sea roses.

Note: You do not necessarily need one for relatively slow-growing marsh and aquatic plants such as rushes, sweet flag and mock calla Plant basket.(€ 17.17 at Amazon *) You can easily place these directly in the appropriate planting zones - provided that the zones are also filled with pond soil.

Deep water plants

The queens of deep water plants are undoubtedly the water lilies. They usually prefer a water depth of 50 to 80 centimeters. However, some nymphaea feel comfortable at a depth of 30 centimeters. These are the small and rather slow growing varieties such as "Froebelii" or "Walter Pagels". In contrast, there are also strong-growing representatives such as “Gladstoniana”, who conquer depths of 100 centimeters and more. The special properties of water lilies are the noble heart-shaped floating leaves and the graceful flowers.

Note: Cheaper alternatives to the classic water lilies are the pond mummel (Nuphar) and the sea can (Nymphoides). They form swimming leaves that are as beautiful as water lilies, but they do not bloom as profusely.

Shallow water plants

Here is an overview of aquatic plants that unfold their full beauty in shallow water (ten to 30 centimeters deep):

• Marsh iris
• Flowering rush ("swan flower")
• Heart-leaved pike herb
• Arrowhead
• Fir fronds
• Sweet flag

Extra: marsh plants for the pond edge

At the swampy edge of the pond - still within the pond liner / pond basin) - you can use various flowering perennials:

• Mock calla
• Meadow Iris
• Marsh marigold

These are examples of popular marsh plants that can cope with the changeable conditions at the water's edge. They tolerate swampy soil, which can temporarily dry out in the hot summer periods, just as easily as light floods up to a water depth of ten centimeters.

Notes: The false calla is particularly popular. It impresses with its striking flowers in spring and the up to one meter large leaves that appear a little later. Note that the false calla needs an extremely thick layer of soil (at least 40 centimeters). Abundantly blooming and uncomplicated bestsellers are, on the one hand, the meadowIris and on the other hand the marsh marigold.

How to put aquatic plants in the pond

Here are some key points to note about Insertion of aquatic plants in the pond:

• Transplant the beauty from the sales pot into a sturdy plastic mesh basket. The latter should be slightly larger than the root ball.
• Fill in pond soil all around. This is lower in nutrients than normal potting soil (important to prevent algae).
• It also makes sense to use broken ones Clay granules or lime-free gravel - in each case as an alternative or supplement to the pond soil (again to counteract the increased growth of algae).
• It is best to use coarse gravel for a koi pond. Otherwise, you run the risk of the fish digging the roots out of the baskets. Cover the earth that Expanded clay(€ 16.35 at Amazon *) or simply cover the finer gravel with large pebbles.

Extra: create a flowing transition

Create a smooth transition from the aquatic plants in your pond to the flowerbeds around the water oasis. In this way you can achieve an absolutely harmonious integration of the pond into the garden environment.

It is advisable to use perennials for the beds that adjoin the marsh zone that visually match the marsh and aquatic plants. Examples of this:

• Meadow rue
• Daylily
• Silver candle
• Funkie