Pond & Aquatic Plants

A balanced pond ecosystem typically includes three main types of aquatic plants:

• Floating Plants (e.g., water hyacinths, water lettuce) to provide shade and control algae.

• Submerged Plants (e.g., hornwort, anacharis) to oxygenate the water and improve clarity.

• Marginal Plants (e.g., iris, arrowhead) to filter nutrients and add beauty to the edges. The combination of these plants ensures your pond remains healthy and visually appealing.

Oklahoma’s warm climate is ideal for plants like water lilies, canna, arrowhead, pickerelweed, and duckweed. Floating plants such as water hyacinths and water lettuce thrive in sunny conditions, while submerged plants like American pondweed and corkscrew rush help oxygenate the water.

Aquatic plants play a vital role in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem by:

• Improving water quality: They absorb excess nutrients, preventing algae growth.

• Providing oxygen: Submerged plants release oxygen, essential for fish and beneficial bacteria.

• Creating shade: Floating plants reduce sunlight, stabilizing water temperature.

• Enhancing aesthetics: Marginal and floating plants add natural beauty and depth to your pond.

The number of plants depends on your pond’s size and purpose. As a general rule:

• Cover 50-70% of the surface area with floating plants to reduce sunlight and algae growth.

• Add 1 bunch of submerged plants per square foot of pond area.

• Incorporate a mix of marginal plants around the edges for filtration and aesthetics. Our staff can help you calculate the right balance for your pond.

Many aquatic plants can survive Oklahoma’s winters with proper care. Hardy varieties like water lilies, pickerelweed, and iris can tolerate cold temperatures. Tender plants like water hyacinths may need to be brought indoors or replaced annually. Our team can advise you on winterizing your aquatic plants.

Yes, most aquatic plants are safe for koi and goldfish. However, fish may nibble on certain plants like water lettuce or duckweed. Hardy plants like arrowhead, pickerelweed, and water lilies are more resistant to fish activity. Adding plants that provide shelter, such as submerged plants, can also protect your fish.

• Floating Plants: Simply place them on the water’s surface; they’ll spread naturally.

• Submerged Plants: Use plant weights or pots to anchor them to the bottom.

• Marginal Plants: Plant them in pots with aquatic soil or directly in shallow areas of the pond. Adding gravel on top of the soil helps prevent fish from disturbing the roots.

Aquatic plants are generally low-maintenance but benefit from occasional care:

• Remove dead or decaying leaves to prevent nutrient buildup.

• Thin out overgrown plants to maintain balance.

• Fertilize water lilies and other flowering plants during the growing season. Our staff can recommend the best care routine for your specific plants.

Yes, aquatic plants are one of the best natural ways to control algae. Floating plants block sunlight, reducing algae growth, while submerged and marginal plants absorb excess nutrients that algae feed on. A well-planted pond can significantly reduce algae blooms.

Absolutely! Adding plants to an established pond can improve water quality, balance the ecosystem, and enhance its appearance. Whether you’re looking to introduce floating, submerged, or marginal plants, our team at Garden Ponds Unlimited can guide you on the best choices and planting techniques.

Choosing the right plants depends on factors like pond size, sunlight exposure, fish presence, and your aesthetic preferences. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect mix of floating, submerged, and marginal plants to meet your pond’s unique needs.