Choosing the Best Aquatic Pond Plants for a Thriving Waterbody

A pond is much more than a body of water. While the water is the focal point, the aquatic life, including fish and plants, play a huge role in the health, beauty, and balance of your water body. The right plants can oxygenate the water, reduce algae growth, and provide shelter and food for fish.

Choosing the right aquatic pond plants is not as simple as it sounds though – nor is it overly sophisticated. In this brief article brough to you by Aquatic Restoration, we offer some tips on selecting the aquatic plants that will help your pond thrive.

If you’d rather leave this work to the pond maintenance professionals, then call Aquatic Restoration to schedule a face-to-face meeting or on-site visit for as soon as possible.

Our Services

Lake Management

Water has always held a special allure. Whether for their beauty, recreational activities, or essential needs, lakes play a critical…

Spillway Renovation

A spillway that's been left unattended for decades will likely show signs of wear and tear. Cracks, vegetation overgrowth, and…

Retention Pond Maintenance

A retention pond or detention pond stands as a silent protector against the flood of stormwater, safeguarding our communities from…

Recognizing the value of aquatic plants

Before getting into specifics, let’s highlight why aquatic plants are worthwhile. We can count these benefits on one hand:

Aesthetic: Sure, a crystal-clear body of water is beautiful but plants add the necessary touch of detail.
Nutrient Absorption: Aquatic plants absorb excess nutrients. This helps control algae blooms. Without plants to balance the ecosystem, algae can take over and harm water quality.
Oxygenation: Submerged plants release oxygen into the water to support aquatic life such as fish and beneficial bacteria.
Shelter and Food: Plants offer habitat for fish and other wildlife. Many fish species rely on plants for hiding spots, spawning areas, and a food source.
Erosion Control: Plants growing along the edges help stabilize the pond’s banks and prevent erosion by trapping sediments.

Oxygenators of the pond

Submerged plants grow beneath the surface and play a vital role in releasing oxygen and absorbing excess nutrients. This helps reduce the risk of algae blooms and keep the water clear. Popular submerged plants include:

Hornwort
Waterweed

Providers of shade and nutrient balance

Floating plants rest on the water's surface with their roots dangling below. These plants help control algae by blocking sunlight and absorbing nutrients from the water. Their ability to reduce sunlight also helps keep the water cool. Common options include:

Water Hyacinth
Duckweed

Erosion controllers; stabilizing the edges

Marginal plants grow along the water’s edge or in shallow areas, making them excellent for controlling erosion. They also add a natural and attractive border to the pond while offering habitat for wildlife like frogs, insects, and birds. Some popular choices are:

Pickerelweed
Cattails

Balancing aesthetics and function

While some plants are purely ornamental, such as water lilies, others play crucial roles in maintaining the health of the pond. Selecting a mix of submerged, floating, and marginal plants will create a balanced ecosystem that looks great and functions efficiently.

Hire Pond Maintenance Professionals

Retention pond maintenance can be complex, and hiring specialists can ensure that your pond’s ecosystem stays in balance. Whether you're looking to improve water quality, protect fish, or simply beautify your pond, the professionals at Aquatic Restoration are here to help.

08 / Sep / 2024