Small Ponds- Growing Water Plants in Them and Keeping Them Clean

Ponds accentuate a garden and help to create and maintain a healthy contained ecosystem in your backyard. Although the process of growing water plants in a pond successfully may be daunting, there are a few tips that can get you the best results.

Choosing the right variety of plants


Pond plants are categorized as submerged plants, marginal or bog plants, floating plants, and deep water emergent plants. Before selecting water plants for your pond, research your preferred varieties to determine their needs, growth habits, and ultimate size. Always remember to take into account the potential height of the plant, as some grasses and rushes can grow very tall and would obscure a pond if poorly positioned.

Gather more knowledge


Spend time getting acquainted with the specific requirements of each plant you’re interested in purchasing in consideration to the conditions present in your pond such as size, sunlight coverage and duration and hardiness zone, among other influencing factors. Also find out the best ways to plant and distribute the water plants in your pond.

Caring for aquatic plants

Special care should be taken to keep plants healthy. A micronutrient liquid fertilizer that is specially designed for aquatic pond plants and one that is phosphate and nitrate free will is a good supplement choice. The fertilizer, which is packed with vital nutrients will keep the water plants strong and vigorous while stimulating growth.

Cleanliness and maintenance

The key to a healthy pond is keeping the water clear. There are a few water plants such as lilies, pickerel plant and water iris, which can aid in keeping the water clean, however, mechanical filtration should also be included in the cleaning process. Mechanical filters physically remove solids from the water by trapping the debris in some form of mat, brush, or sponge.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll manage to nurture a stunning and healthy water garden.