The dream of an idyllic garden pond can quickly burst when the water oasis is hardly recognizable as such because of all the algae. Luckily, there is a natural way to keep algae out of your own pond: plant some aquatic plants!

Hornwort prevents algae infestation in deeper water zones

Mode of action of aquatic plants in the pond

Aquatic plants keep the pond water in biological balance - and this is how it works: They absorb a large part of the nutrients from the water in order to grow and thrive. This makes them a direct competitor to algae for food. The latter need extremely nutrient-rich water in order to live and reproduce. If this basis of life is missing, they stay away from the pond.

In short: With the generous use of aquatic plants, you can slow down or even stop the growth of algae in your pond. The prerequisite is, of course, that you use suitable plants.

Which aquatic plants support algae control

Above all, keep an eye out for heavily consuming aquatic plants. As the name suggests, such plants require a particularly large number of nutrients. Accordingly, they lavishly use the substances in the pond water. As a result, there is hardly anything left for any algae.

It makes the most sense to put together a plant mix that includes the shallow water zone, the deep water zone and also the shore area.

You will now receive overviews of the types of aquatic plants that have proven themselves for the respective areas (in terms of their potential to prevent algae in the pond).

Algae-fighting aquatic plants for the shallow water zone

  • Pennywort (Lysimachia nummularia)
  • Swan Flower (Butomus umbellatus)
  • Fir frond (Hippuris vulgaris)

Algae fighting aquatic plants for the deep water zone

  • Water Lilies (Nyphaea)
  • Milkhopper (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
  • Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
  • Dense-leaved waterweed (Egeria densa)

Algae-fighting aquatic plants for the bank area

  • Swamp iris (Iris laevigata)
  • Dwarf rush (Juncus ensifolius)
  • hedgehog butt (Sparganium erectum)

Extra: Floating plants to combat algae

Some floating plants also contribute to an algae-free pond:

  • Frog bite (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
  • Three-furrowed duckweed (Lemna trisulca)
  • Floating Fern (Salvia natans)

Note: All aquatic plants mentioned have a high nutrient requirement, so that they deprive algae of their food base.

Important note on koi ponds

If you keep carp (including koi) and/or grass carp in your garden pond, algae control with aquatic plants is NOT possible. These fish are dedicated herbivores, passionate about feeding on underwater plants. Therefore, you unfortunately have to rely on unnatural methods of algae control in koi ponds.

Category:

Vegetable garden