Aquatic and marsh plants for the pond

Without them, the pond often suffers from algae buildup, low oxygen levels, and stress for the fish.

⚙️ HOW DO AQUATIC AND MUD PLANTS "WORK"?

Water filtration

The root system removes nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) from the water → prevents algae growth.

The substrate around the roots traps impurities.

Oxygenation

Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which supports the life of fish and microorganisms.

Shading and temperature regulation

Floating leaves and stems block direct sunlight → the water becomes less overheated.

Shelter for animals

They provide shelter and a breeding ground for fish, amphibians, and insects.

Aesthetics and biodiversity

A variety of species adds color, texture, and life to the pond.

🏠 REQUIREMENTS OF AQUATIC AND MARSH PLANTS
🌞 Light

Most plants need full sun or partial shade (6–8 hours of light per day).

Lack of light → slowed growth, smaller flowers and leaves.

💧 Water

Temperature: optimal 15–28 °C, some hardy species down to 5 °C

pH: 6–8 (most species tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline)

Depth: from shallow 10 cm (mud plants) to 1 m (some aquatic)

🌱 Substrate

Rich clay or sandy substrate for roots

Mud plants prefer moist edges of the pond, not deep water

🧹 Maintenance

Removal of dead leaves and stems

Divide dense growths every 2–3 years

Fertilize with special fertilizers for aquatic plants if necessary

🧠 "NATURE" OF THE PLANTS

Peaceful, stable and undemanding with proper care

Sensitive to overcrowding and polluted water

Some species grow quickly and require regular maintenance

Interaction with fish: provide shelter, but some fish may eat leaves

🧱 SPECIES OF AQUATIC AND MARSH PLANTS
🌊 1️⃣ Floating plants

E.g. water lily (Nymphaea), water hyacinths (Eichhornia)

Function: shading, oxygen production, shelter for fish

🌿 2️⃣ Submerged plants

E.g. hornwort (Ceratophyllum), pondweed (Potamogeton)

Function: water filtration, oxygen support, shelter for fish

🏞️ 3️⃣ Marsh and edge plants

E.g. iris, sedge, pontederia

Function: nutrient retention, prevent edge erosion, aesthetics

🌱 4️⃣ Plants with decorative flowers

E.g. lotus (Nelumbo), tropical water lily

Function: ornamental, supports biodiversity

🩺 IMPACT ON POND HEALTH

POSITIVE

✔️ reduces excess nutrients → less algae
✔️ oxygen production
✔️ stabilization of temperature and ecosystem
✔️ shelter for fish and microorganisms

NEGATIVE

❌ too dense growth can reduce flow and oxygen at night
❌ decomposition of dead parts can pollute the water

🦠 "DISEASES" AND PROBLEMS

Brown or damaged leaves → lack of nutrients, light or disease

Excessive algae growth → incorrect ratio of plants to nutrients

Snail, insect or fungus attack

Stagnant water → root rot

➡️ prevention: optimal plant density, fertilization, regular pond cleaning

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ stabilize the ecosystem
✅ oxygen production and filtration
✅ aesthetics and biodiversity
✅ shading and temperature regulation

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ require maintenance (trimming, fertilizing)
❌ overcrowding can reduce oxygen and flow
❌ susceptible to diseases if poorly cared for

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE

Pond type - depth, size, presence of fish

Plant type - floating, submerged, mud

Climate conditions - frost resistance or tropical species

Maintenance - time and resources you can devote to care

Aesthetics - color of flowers and leaves

📌 Tip: a balanced combination of floating, submerged and mud plants will ensure a healthy and beautiful pond.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Remove dead plant parts regularly

Ensure optimal density - max. 50–60% of the surface area for floating plants

We plant marsh plants in peat pots

Monitor water quality and plant condition – indicators of problems

📌 SUMMARY

Aquatic and marsh plants are the foundation of a healthy pond.

Properly selected and maintained:

they reduce algae,

stabilize oxygen and temperature,

provide shelter for fish and microorganisms,

add aesthetics and biodiversity.

Without them, a pond can quickly degrade – the water becomes polluted, algae overgrows and the fish become stressed.