As Spring unfolds, whether it’s early and rapid or late and slow-going, the concern is always the same: How can I get plant coverage….quickly. We have included information on some rapid reproducers, that are meant for contained ponds and water gardens. In a natural environment these varieties are quite invasive and can windup doing more harm than good, so please be mindful of your particular environment when making your selections.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to provide coverage to approximately 60% of the surface area of your pond. More would inhibit photosynthesis, stopping the growth process and oxygenation to the water. Plants provide shade, oxygen, and protection to pond fish. Flowering and non-flowering varieties offer visual beauty to any onlooker, and help to create a balanced ecological system.
In the early thaw of spring, pond surfaces are exposed to significant sunlight and to hungry predator eyes. The best approach to combating the two is a barrier of natural protection. Floating pond plants are usually the first on the market in areas like ours that experience long winters. These plants needs no soil or containers. They have a free flowing root system that moves undisturbed throughout the water. Floating plants use fish waste and dead organics as food, keeping the water clear, and preventing buildup of these negative elements.
Water Lettuce is a shade loving floating annual. Its look is similar to small cabbages, or heads of lettuce bobbing through the water. It proliferates throughout our growing season, and multiplies. That being said, a handful of water lettuce will be sufficient as an early spring addition, as most will literally be composted at the end of a season. Water Lettuce is considered invasive to areas that do not experience a significant winter season.
Water Lettuce, floating pond plant
Water Hyacinth is a sun loving floating annual. It too will self-propagate throughout the growing season. Our cold New Jersey winters allow it to be sold on the free market. However there are milder areas of the US that have made it’s sale and purchase illegal because of its invasive qualities. The bulbous foliage and pretty purple flowers offer an almost faux-plant look to it in full bloom. Most plant communities consider the water hyacinth a ‘pest species’ as it has not been proven to provide sufficient value to wildlife. Taking that into consideration, the root system of a hyacinth actually provides a great food source to domestic koi and goldfish in contained environments. The concern of Water Hyacinth is its overall coverage of bodies of water.
Water Hyacinth, floating pond plant
Duckweed. Enough said, right? Well, every season we are questioned by at least one client who enjoys the coverage this SUPER invasive floater provides. We kind of thank our lucky stars for winters when thinking about the spreading ability of this small but powerful greenery. Duckweed is an aggressive grower, and will ‘mat’ a pond surface in what seems like no time at all. We understand the plight of some clients, but warn sternly of what is to come with the addition of Duckweed to your pond. Its tiny leaf and even smaller root system makes it a hard catch with even the smallest of pond nets. We mention it in our talk of early spring additions because out of desperation, you may want to add ‘just a couple’ in the early season. One week later you are asking if there are any fish-safe pond weed killers on the market, to which we must reply, “No, there aren’t”. Duckweed: friend or foe? I think we’ve made our case for this one.
Duckweed, invasive floating pond plant
Parrots Feather is a delicate leafed submersible pond plant. While it grows best when rooted in shallow water, it has been known to occur as a floating plant in the deep water. Considering its ability to be added as a marginal, submersible, or floating plant, Parrots Feather makes a great addition to ponds in our geographical area. Did we mention it’s a perennial too? Yup, add it once and it comes back each year, short of weather catastrophes during our winters. Fish nibble on the delicate foliage and it provide significant oxygen to their waters creating a truly symbiotic relationship.
Parrots Feather, adaptable pond plant
When we speak of invasive qualities, we are concerned with the matting abilities of these soil-less plants. Blocking sunlight from lower plant and animal species if not cared for properly. Our growing season is short, and most often our winters are long, making plant selections limited. So please be informed, choose wisely, and happy pondering.
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