Pond Plants
Oxygen makes the world go round, it's what we breathe in 24 hours a day, but it's not just important for us. It is essential if you are wanting a healthy pond with happy fish, plants and overall ecosystem. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your pond well-oxygenated.
The solution that you choose really depends on the sort of aesthetic that you are going for with your pond. If you want clean lines and a modern finish, it may be best to consider a mechanical aerator which pumps oxygen into the water. If you are going for something more visually appealing, you could use a fountain or waterfall. These features will help circulate and oxygenate the water, while also generating a soothing sound and visual benefits.
If you are going for a more natural approach, aquatic plants are the way to go. There are hundreds to choose from, and they can be categorised as being one of the following: oxygenator, marginal or floater. All of these plants can help maintain healthy oxygen levels, while also providing natural filtration and offering shade and shelter to your pond’s inhabitants.
Oxygenators
Oxygenators are plants that are entirely submerged and grow completely below the surface of the water. While they photosynthesise during daylight hours, they release oxygen directly into the water.
While their oxygenation benefits are relevant to this article, it is also important to note that they have other benefits. They can act as an anti-algae system as they absorb excess nutrients in the water, which would otherwise promote algae growth. Oxygenators can also be a subtle way of providing your aquatic friends with some shelter below the surface.
Marginals
Marginal plants grow in shallow water, typically around the (you guessed it) margins (!) of a pond. While their roots are submerged below the surface, like with oxygenators, their foliage and flowers are visible above the water line.
Marginals frame a pond beautifully and can be a really aesthetically pleasing and environmentally beneficial addition to a pond. They are excellent at attracting pollinators and other wildlife, while also providing natural filtration by absorbing nutrients from the water.
Floaters
Floaters are appropriately named, these plants are not rooted in the soil so, are free floating on the surface of the pond. As with oxygenators, floaters provide shade and cover for fish and amphibian inhabitants. And as with all pond plants, they will help to reduce nutrient levels in the water.
To discover different types of each plant, please explore our buying guide and pond planting sections of our site. No matter which method you choose, consistent oxygenation is key to keeping your pond vibrant and balanced.