Every pond needs submerged plants for a number of reasons. Surface and floating plants like hyacinth and water lilies add beauty and pops of color to your underwater garden. Just like any other plants used in landscaping, underwater cultivars deserve to be well taken care of too. Healthy underwater plants play a critical role in the wellbeing of your pond. Why are submerged plants important and how do they help your pond?
Oxygen Supply
As a byproduct of photosynthesis, underwater plants naturally produce oxygen. Oxygen as we all know is important for a pond’s health and vitality. Even if you invest in the best sub-surface aeration system, you still need to include colourful and fast growing submerged plants. This combination ensures cleaner water to support the inhabitants in your pond.
Protect Fish From Predators
It is natural that a pond with fish will have predators lurking around. Sub-surface plants offer a protective layer to prevent the fish from being too exposed to the predators. These plants also offer hiding spots for fish when predators come stalking. During an attack, naturally fish and other pond critters will swim into the lush growth to hide. The water plants provide an excellent camouflage for your fish.
Provide Spawning Areas
Root systems, stems and leaves of submerged plants offer safe places where fish can lay their eggs. After hatching, the plants provide a safe environment for the tiny fry and also provide food and protection.
How To Add Submerged Plants In Your Pond
You need to know when to add submerged plants in your pond and which plants to choose. Without a proper plan your pond may end up being a mess and look like an aquatic jungle. How do you about adding submerged plants in your pond? Before getting water plants, you need to consider the following factors:
- Light level: Where is your pond located? Is it shaded by other plants, structures or trees or is it in an open space? The amount of light your pond receives will determine the kind of submerged plant you get.
- Mature size: What is the size of your pond? This will determine the plants you get according on how large they grow when they reach their mature size. You don’t want to get plants that will get lost in the pond because they are too small or outgrow a small pond.
- Hardiness: You need to get plants that are able to adjust to temperature changes. Choose plants that can survive winter and also hot seasons.
- Fish food: It is important that you get submerged plants that fish can feed on. However, don’t choose a species that fish will consume at a fast rate. If you plan to feed your fish on processed fish food, it is best to choose plants that they can only nibble on from time to time or ones that they will leave alone.
- Variety: It is good to have submerged plants of variety colors, sizes, heights and shapes. This adds an interesting look in your pond. Ensure these plants can cohabit.
To ensure you maintain a healthy aquatic life in your pond, maintain your pond often. At Fitz’s Fish Ponds, we have the necessary expertise, passion, equipment and creativity to help maintain ponds of all sizes the best way possible. We even help our clients choose the right submerged plants and offer tips on proper fish care.
For more information about pond services, contact us today!