- The effect of floating plants
- Location and selection of pond plants
- Propagate floating plants yourself
Many of the native floating plants in the garden pond can easily overwinter in the pool and otherwise require little care. When divided up appropriately, they are excellent nutrient converters and shade providers that slow down the growth of algae and regulate gas exchange.
Floating plants keep the pond water cool
If you want to avoid unwanted algae growth in your pond, you can achieve a lot with a balanced selection of floating plants. Floating roots or roots that reach to the bottom of the tank ensure the necessary nutrient balance, the voluminous leaves are welcome shade providers and also serve as a welcome hiding place for the pond inhabitants.
The effect of floating plants
The relatively large leaves of floating ferns, frog bites or water hyacinths prevent the disproportionate increase in temperature of the pond water, primarily in shallow, somewhat smaller ponds, which in turn has a beneficial effect on the oxygen content and gas exchange within the tank. Apart from that, the visual impression of such well thought-out plant communities, which may still flower in different colors at different times, is particularly pleasant.
Location and selection of pond plants
We differentiate between floating and floating leaf plants, whereby the first genus does not require any soil at all and only grows in standing or, if necessary, very slowly flowing water. This type of plant should therefore not be planted in the vicinity of streams. The water depth should not be less than 20 cm, taking into account the expected growth of floating plants in the garden pond. The profile of some favorites that should not be placed in the pond until May at the earliest:
| plant type | growth height (cm) | Planting depth (cm) | Average price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| water mimosa | 6 | from 5 | 3.50 to 4.50 |
| frog bite | 1 | from 10 | 2.50 to 3.50 |
| water hyacinth | 15 | 10 | 2.50 to 3.50 |
| duckweed | 5 | from 20 | 3.00 to 4.00 |
| floating fern | 2 | 10 to 50 | 3.00 to 4.00 |
| crab claws | max 20 | 50 to 150 | 3.50 to 4.50 |
| shell flower | max 10 | 10 to 50 | 2.50 to 3.50 |
Propagate floating plants yourself
Many species tend to reproduce very intensively, so that regular pruning is necessary. Plants rooted in soil or substrate are divided at the root ball and the resulting individual pieces are placed in separate containers at the new location. On the other hand, offspring of floating-leaf plants can be obtained from the buds and shoots of the mother plants.
tips
If you decide to plant species that are not hardy, the easiest way is to plant or buy them in pond lattice baskets. This makes it particularly easy for them to be moved to their winter quarters in late autumn and they are better protected against possible washouts.