Pond plants often need to be anchored in place for a variety of reasons. Some need to be held in place until their root systems develop, at which point they will attach themselves to the anchor material. Some have roots that are tasty to fish and other aquatic creatures; anchoring them allows you to limit the root exposure. Some floating plants will be sucked into a filter if they are allowed to drift on top of the water. Driftwood is an attractive water decoration that is porous enough to have a plant attached.
Clean the driftwood before putting it in the pond or attaching the plant to keep any chemicals or salt that might harm plants or fish from getting in the water. Rinse the driftwood in warm water and scrub it with a clean brush, then rinse it again. If there is stubborn debris stuck to the wood, soak it in water overnight then scrub it again.
Arrange the plant roots, stems or rhizomes over the driftwood the way you would like the plant to rest on the wood. Handle the plant gently so you do not damage them.
Attach the roots to the driftwood where you have placed them. There are several attachment methods from which to choose. Stretch a rubber band over the plant roots and the wood. The rubber band should not be too tight or it may damage the roots. If it is too loose the plant may float free. Staple the roots individually to the wood. Push in the staples by hand just far enough to attach the plant, but not cut into it. Tie the roots onto the wood with fishing line or plastic thread. Cloth thread may rot away. Do not tie the line too loose or too tight to securely anchor the plant without damaging it.
Things You Will Need
- Scrub brush
- Rubber band
- Plastic thread
- Use a method which will be easy to remove if you want to remove the anchor after the plant roots have grown into the driftwood.
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