Pond Plants - A Beginners Guide

Pond plants are beautiful, and some times necessary, additions to any home's fish pond. Many garden pond enthusiasts swear by their pond plants, as they perform a wide array of useful functions even beyond just looking great. As keeping pond fish is a practice that dates back over a thousand years, people have figured out over time which plants are best for their fish ponds. So how can you figure out which pond plants are right for you? It's really not as hard as it seems. Below is a brief description of the pond plant, as well as selection and care tips. Soon your home garden pond will be filled with beautiful and functional pond plants!

What is a Pond Plant?

A pond plant refers to any number of species of aquatic, fresh water plant that can survive in moderately shallow water. Now as you can imagine this is a pretty vague description. Due to the popularity of keeping garden ponds, there is an incredible array of pond plants available for purchase, and choosing the correct one is essential to a healthy fish pond. One of the biggest benefits of all pond plants is oxygen production and waste removal for pond fish. Always ask your local lawn & garden or outdoor experts about what specific pond plant species do best in your area.

Types of Pond Plants

With so many different species, and even sub-species of pond plant out there, it can be very difficult to choose which ones will do best in your particular fish pond. Fortunately, pond plants tend to fit one of three themes. If you can figure these themes out, and learn how to relate them to your unique garden pond situation, you too can have a vibrant, healthy garden pond.

• Surface Plants: These types of plants are what many people imagine when they think of a pond plant. Plants in this group have broad leaves that float on the surface of the water to better collect sunlight. There are also varieties that float completely on the surface with roots that merely dangle into the water. Many people use this type of pond plant as cover for their pond fish to hide under in the heat of the day, and as a way to choke out algae.
• Subsurface Plants: As you may have guessed, plants in this group live entirely submerged in water. Pond plants of this type are great for oxygen production and the removal of fish waste. Also if the water is kept clear enough, these water plants can actually be quite pretty!
• Shoreline Plants: These water plants are planted on the edge or "shore" of your garden pond. Pond plants of this variety are almost always chosen for their visual appeal, such as the classic cattail. But beyond just looks they can also be used to keep rocks, soil, and other pond side debris out of your fish pond.

Basic Care and General tips

• Make sure all your pond plants are potted and set correctly. Unsecured plants could fall over and die, toxifying the water and ruining your fish pond. Consider covering the top of your potted plants with pea gravel to weigh them down.
• While floating pond plants can be quite attractive, they will surely die in cooler climates. Always make sure to pick aquatic plants that will survive in your local climate.
• Always keep your garden pond free of excess debris such as fallen leaves or grass clippings. These invaders can choke and toxify your fish pond, killing both pond plants and fish.
• Pond fish are a great way to fertilize your pond plants. Their natural waste makes a great fertilizer, and what garden pond is complete without a few fish such as koi or goldfish?
• Keep an eye for an excess of frogs or other amphibians around your garden pond. Populations of these animals can explode, filling your pond with unwanted waste and tadpoles.