6
March
2009

Water Plants0

 water-lilies.jpg

Water plants are traditionally divided into three categories : floating plants, shallow-water bog or marsh plants and submerged plants. Easy available from garden centers and through mail-order catalogues.

1) Floating Plants

Floating Water Plants - Water Hyacinth (Lilac Devil)

There are two categories of floating plants : free-floaters, which have roots hanging freely in the water, and attached floaters, whose leaves float on the surface but whose roots are attached to the bottom. Floating plants are easy to care for and efficient natural water filters, removing large quantities of nitrogen, phosphate and other substances from the water. They compete with algae for nutrients, thereby minimizing the chance of algal overgrowths.

2) Shallow-water bog or marsh plants

Water Lilies (White)  Water lilies (Blue)  Umbrella Plants (Cyperus Alternifolius)  Lotus Pink

Plants that grow in shallow water with most of the plant above the surface, are included in this category. Many produce vegetation that is quite lush and varied. Bog plants grown in pots and scattered along marginal areas are beautiful additions to pond. Popular plants include the arrowhead plant (Sagittaria latifolia), unbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), water iris (Iris spp), sweet flag (Acourus calamus), and horsetail (Equisetum hyemale).

3) Submerged Plants
Submerged plants are rooted on the bottom, with their leaves totally below the surface. These plants are often sold for use in freshwater aquariums. Common examples include Cabomba, Elodea, and Ludwigia. Although they are excellent for removing nutrients and carbon dioxide from ponds, they are quicky uprooted and eaten by koi.

4) Sub Plants

New plants to be update