Aquatic plants, while
providing the obvious aesthetic appeal to the
watergarden also serve the important role of
helping to maintain the overall health and appearance
of your pond. Pond plants help purify the water
by reducing nutrients, filtering out sediments,
breaking down toxic compounds, and digesting
unwanted substances.
Planting a diversity of species in the pond
will ensure balanced filtration. Plants such
as Cattails have short roots extending only
6-12 inches, where as Bulrushes can extend
up to 36 inches allowing each to grab nutrients
from different regions.
Rooted aquatic plants also help
promote healthy bacteria populations. Without
beneficial bacteria, nitrogen levels in the
pond would become elevated, causing health
problems in fish, diminished water quality,
and promoting excess algae.
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Certain plants, such as water
hyacinth, are more capable than others at
removing large amounts of algae-causing nutrients.
Some wastewater treatment facilities in warmer
climates have even been designed specifically
to use hyacinths.
Aquatic plants' significance
in filtration, their ability to provide better
water quality, reduce maintenance and balance
the ecosystem, all the while helping to create
a more natural looking environment, are all
reasons for you to consider the importance
of aquatic plants for your pond.
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