Many aquatic fountain plants are beautiful and beneficial to your pond and its inhabitants, but too much of a good thing can cause damage. Poor care and maintenance of aquatic plants can create an imbalance in your pond’s ecosystem. There are three main categories of aquatic plants:
Submerged Aquatic Plants
These are plants that are rooted in the pond bottom and grow toward the surface. Common submerged plants found in the United States are water-celery, American pondweed and eelgrass. Submerged aquatic plants release oxygen into the water, maintain clean water, and provide filtration and shelter for aquatic life as well as food for fish, birds, and land mammals.
Emergents Aquatic Plants
These plants are also rooted in the pond bottom but will grow above the surface of the water such as cattails and bulrush. Also, in this category are floating emergents—the most commonly known is the water lily. These plants can be beautiful and many have vibrant flowers. Emergent aquatic plants release oxygen into the water, provide beautiful landscaping, prevent soil erosion, maintain clean water, and provide shelter for aquatic life, birds, and mammals.
Free-Floating Aquatic Plants
These plants are non-rooted plants and are typically floating on the surface. The most commonly known are Duckweed and watermill. These are plants that you do NOT want in your pond. These plants are very evasive and can be problematic to the aesthetics and water quality of your pond. Most free-floating aquatic plants can be managed with surface water movement.
Aquatic vegetation is an important part of your ponds ecosystem and water quality. Management of your aquatic vegetation is essential.
It is important to check with your state and local authorities before introducing aquatic vegetation in your pond. Your state conservation department or fish and wildlife service is an excellent source of information and assistance. They can help you with identifying aquatic plants and many resources for maintaining your pond.
Curious about how plants affect your pond? Contact an Air-O-Lator expert today.