Pond Plants Frequently Asked Questions

1) What key role do plants play in your pond's ecosystem?
Plants use nitrates, which are the final product of the nitrogen cycle.
2) What will happen if no aquatic plants are added to the system?
The nitrates and other nutrients in the pond will then be used up by less desirable plant growth such as string and suspended algae.
3) What percent plant coverage should a pond have?
The proper plant coverage is 40 to 70 percent of the surface of the pond. A bog can help to reach proper coverage without filling in such a percentage of your pond with plants.
4) Do aquatic plants grow best in a pot?
No. Most aquatic plants grow best when planted directly in the gravel on the shelves of the pond.
5) Should all aquatic plants be planted directly in the pond?
No. Invasive aquatic plants and tropical aquatic plants you wish to overwinter as a houseplant need to be kept in a pot.
6) Name the most invasive hardy aquatic plant?
Lotus and cattails. These plants can quickly overtake a pond.
7) What is the common nickname of the night blooming tropical lily?
"Working person's lily" since the lily blooms in the evening when working people can enjoy it.
8) Most aquatic plants can be planted at any depth in the pond. True or False?
False. Most aquatic plants do not like deep water. As a rule of thumb, most aquatics will do fine planted in only an inch or less of water. Refer to the plant tag, or ask the garden center for the exact depth for each plant.
9) Submerged plants are purchased only to provide oxygen to the pond. True or False?
False. Submerged plants do provide oxygen during daylight, but at night it reverses and they use oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. Submerged plants are purchased to provide habitats for fish and to help remove nitrates from the water.
10) Are all aquatic plants listed in the presentation and workbook available in every state for purchase?
No. Different state's have different aquatic plants on their invasive plant lists, so please check with your state's list of invasive plants.