Planting in water is different:
A pond has different depths of water. Each depth of water grows different types of pond plant. So aquatic plants for use in ponds have to be different to garden plants.
- The correct depth of water for each plant type is vital
- Use aquatic soil - a clay loam that does not float
- Choose mesh baskets with holes in the base and sides
- Pond plants send their roots out into the water through the mesh holes in the baskets.
Combine all 3 of the plant types below to keep your water clean, clear and healthy. This will make your planting in water a success.
Why use oxygenating plants in a pond?
- Oxygenating plants help clean the pond water by using up nutrients and minerals that could otherwise encourage the growth of algae and blanketweed.
- They help keep pond water healthy and clear long term.
- Photosynthesize by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen for underwater-dwelling wildlife.
- Provide shelter, protection and spawning habitat for some pond wildlife.
- Ceratophyllum demersum is the best oxygenating plant in UK - British Native and best suited to our weather.
1. Submerged water planting:
- Drop oxygenating plants into the pond either with or without a lead strip to bunch them dependent on the species of the plant. (Drop into water just as they are sent out by us)
- Float totally submerged below the water surface in deep water.
- Have few support cells in their stems or leaves as they float in the water.
- If removed from water they will hang limply and will wilt very quickly - all stem and leaf surfaces need to be kept damp or wet.
- Leaves are highly divided and able to absorb water, nutrients and dissolved gases.
- Do not plant in a basket as they float freely in the water, moving up and down according to the water temperature.
- Each variety can be out of stock at times due to the seasons. The longest available season is from Ceratophyllum demersum.
- Some oxygenating plants are sent potted in a mesh basket
- Place the mesh basket at correct depth and these oxygenating plants will grow from the basket.
Why do I need waterlilies and other plants that grow leaves across the pond surface?
- The shade created by leaves helps reduce algae growth as algae needs light to grow.
- Cover 50% of surface water with leaf growth so that the water temperature remains cool for fish or wildlife.
- Leaves provide hiding places for creatures as protection from birds.
- Flowers help pollinators and are attractive.
2. Floating leaved plants:
- Place waterlilies & Water Hawthorn deep in the pond and the leaves will grow up to float on the water surface.
- Waterlilies and Water Hawthorn 'breathe' through the pores on the top surface of the leaf. Do not place under constantly splashing water (the leaves cannot breathe).
- These plants grow from deep water and hold the leaf on the surface via stems of hollow tubes. This enables air transfer necessary for the roots of the plant.
- Frogbit & Water Soldier are free floating.
Why do I need plants on my pond shelf areas?
- Shelf pond plants use nutrients to put on growth and flower at different times of the season.
- Certain plants are needed by different wildlife types.
- Amphibians - newts need Myosotis scorpioides or small-leaved rafting plants to lay eggs or dragonflies use upright emergent plants to climb up to emerge and fly.
- Different plants help make the wildlife ecosystem of the pond into a balanced habitat.
- Create visual interest and blend the pond into the rest of the garden.
3. Marginal Shelf plants:
- Grow from below water level with stem, leaves and flowers showing on or above the water.
- Place the rooted baskets on a shelf of a pond with a liner or plant into the edge of a clay pond.
2 types of shelf plants:
- Emergent or upright plants - stems and flowers growing up and out of water. Sent in 11cm baskets.
- Rafting plants - horizontal growth that grows away from the basket & rafts across the water surface. Sent in 9cm baskets.
Planting in water - each type of water plant likes a certain depth of water above its basket.
Getting this right for each species is crucial for their survival and for the success of a healthy, balanced habitat.