The answer depends on the type of plant, the sunlight it gets, how much room it has, and how it’s cared for. Let’s break it down in a simple way so you know what to expect and how to keep your pond in great shape.

Types of Dallas Pond Plants & Their Sizes

There are four main types of pond plants, and each grows in its own way. Here’s what you should know:

Floating Pond Plants

These plants float freely on top of the water and don’t grow in soil. They’re great at providing shade and helping control algae.

Examples:

• Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth: These spread across the surface and can grow about 10 inches wide. If left alone, they can cover a large area of your pond.
• Duckweed, Azolla: Tiny plants that grow quickly—don’t let their size fool you! They can take over a pond in no time.

Tip: Floating Dallas pond plants don’t grow tall, but they can spread fast. Keep an eye on them so they don’t take over.

Underwater (Submerged) Plants

These stay completely underwater and play a big role in keeping your pond healthy by releasing oxygen.

Examples:

• Elodea, Hornwort, Vallisneria: These can grow several feet long and are perfect for fish to hide in.

Tip: Even though they’re out of sight, submerged plants can grow quickly. Regular trimming helps keep them under control.

Dallas Pond Plants Around the Pond Edge (Marginals)

These grow in shallow areas around the pond’s edge, with their roots in water or wet soil and their tops sticking out.

Examples:

• Cattails, Reeds: These can shoot up between 5 and 10 feet high!
• Water Lilies: While the flowers and leaves float, the plant can spread out 6 to 12 feet across.

Tip: These plants need space to grow wide or tall, so plan ahead when planting near the edges.

Moisture-Loving Bog Plants

Bog plants grow best in very damp soil—perfect for planting near waterfalls or in special planting pockets.

Examples:

• Canna Lily, Marsh Marigold, Japanese Iris, Pickerel Weed: These colorful plants usually grow 2 to 4 feet tall and add great texture around your pond.

Tip: Most bog plants grow upright and are easy to enjoy from the patio or garden path.

What Impacts Plant Size?

Here in the Dallas area, the size your pond plants reach can vary depending on:

1. Sunlight
   Most pond plants need full sun to grow well. More sun means faster, fuller growth. A little shade is okay for some, but too much will slow them down.
2. Nutrients in the Water
   Dallas Pond plants get their “food” from the water. If your pond has fish or organic matter like leaves, your plants may grow quicker due to all the extra nutrients. Just be careful—too much can also cause algae problems.
3. Space
   If a plant doesn’t have room to spread, it may stay small. But with plenty of space and the right conditions, some plants can grow bigger than you might expect.

How to Keep Dallas Pond Plants from Taking Over

While it’s great to see your plants thrive, they can become too much if not managed. Here’s how to keep things in balance:

• Trim back or divide plants once or twice a year to prevent overcrowding.
• Remove old leaves or dead flowers to help keep the water clean.
• Watch floating plants—they grow fast and can take over the pond’s surface.
• Check on water lilies and tall plants so they don’t block sunlight from getting to other plants.

Common Questions from Pond Owners in Dallas

Q: How quickly do pond plants grow?
A: Some, like duckweed, grow extremely fast. Others, like water lilies, may take a full season or two to reach their full size.

Q: Can pond plants grow too large?
A: Yes. Without care, some plants will take over and block light or space. Regular pruning is key.

Q: Will these plants survive a Dallas winter?
A: Many pond plants do fine through mild Texas winters. Tropical varieties may need to be brought in or treated as annuals. We’re happy to help you pick the best types for our local climate.

Q: Is it possible to have too many pond plants?
A: Yes. Too many plants can throw off the balance and affect water quality. We recommend aiming for around 60–70% surface coverage in summer.

Q: Do I need special soil?
A: For potted plants, use heavy garden soil or aquatic planting mix—regular potting soil is too light and can float away.

Need Help with Pond Plants in the Dallas Area?

Whether you’re starting fresh or want help maintaining your current setup, FncPonds has you covered. We know what grows best in North Texas and how to keep your pond healthy and beautiful.

Contact us today to schedule a seasonal check-up or maintenance visit—we’re here to make your pond thrive!

The post How Big Will My Dallas Pond Plants Get? appeared first on FNC PONDS.

From Aquatic forget-me-nots that dangle on the edges of your water garden to beautiful lilies that perch on the pond’s surface, plants are truly what makes your water garden stand out. Things like color, height, and planting conditions are things you’ll want to consider when it comes to planting your pond.

Here are our top & tips for Pond Planting

1: Create Interest with Variety

Random placement of plants with varying textures and colors create more interest than using plants that have all the same growth habit or leaf shape. Use a combination of waterlilies and marginal plants such as canna, arrowhead, aquatic forget-me-not, water iris, and more. The options are almost endless and you can recreate your water garden into something new every year simply by choosing different hardy plants

2: Group Plants Together

Interior decorators tell you to group like objects together when decorating your home, to create visual impact. Use this same principle when planting your pond. Plant a row of marsh marigolds along a stretch of the ponds edge, as opposed to dotting them here and there in single locations.

3: Short in Front, Tall in Back

This might seem like a no-brainer, but always put shorter plants in front of taller ones.  Most likely, you’ll spend most of your time viewing your water garden from a deck or patio, so keep that sight line in mind when planting your pond. You’ll create more visual interest when you have a mix of tall and short plants.

Small Pond Planting Ideas

4: Know Your Plant Size

One of the biggest mistakes novice water gardeners make is failing to realize how big their pond plants might grow. Be sure to take height and width of the mature plant into consideration and allow enough space for future growth. If your plants do become crowded and overgrown, you can always divide them or thin them out just like your land perennials. Give extras to a friend or consider planting some in a container water garden to grace another area of your yard.

5: Consider Each Plant’s Needs

Be mindful of how much sun your aquatic plants require, along with their planting depth. If a plant requires full sun, that’s a minimum of 6 hours of unobstructed (ie not dappled shade) sun per day.  If you’re not sure what your plant needs, ask the pro at your local garden center or search online for information.

medium pond pond planting

6: Go Green

A soft, calming space is created by using different textures and shades of green foliage. The combination is effective on its own and mimics the style of a Japanese zen garden where texture takes precedence over an array of color.  Play with color based on leaf selection alone, since you’ll find aquatic foliage in a range of colors such as dark green, lime green, and several variegated combinations.

7: Play with Colors

Choose colors you like best and consider the type of lighting your water garden receives. Yellow, orange, and white help brighten shady areas, while cool blue and violet tone down the intensity of the sun’s rays. Experiment by mixing warm colors with cool ones. Yellow waterlilies look fabulous against a backdrop of blue water iris. Likewise, a purple waterlily such as Nymphaea ‘Violicious’ looks amazing in front of an orange canna lily.

Most of all, use your imagination and have some fun.  Along with choosing fish, pond planting can be the best part of creating your pond.

large pond planting

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Aquatic Plants advantages are the unsung heroes of ponds and water gardens, bringing beauty, balance, and health to any water feature. Whether you’re a pond owner looking to enhance water quality or a garden enthusiast interested in creating a serene oasis, aquatic plants offer a wealth of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Here’s why aquatic plants are essential to a thriving pond environment and how they can transform your water feature into a natural, self-sustaining ecosystem.

Aquatic plants serve more than just an ornamental purpose in ponds; they play a vital role in maintaining a well-balanced and thriving pond ecosystem. Let’s delve into the various advantages these plants bring and why they are indispensable for any pond owner.

Varieties of Water Plants in Aquatic Plants Advantages:

1. Submerged Plants: These plants thrive beneath the water’s surface, firmly rooted at the pond’s bottom.
2. Emergent Plants: While primarily visible above the water, these plants have roots in the pond’s soil.
3. Floating Plants: As the name implies, these plants float on the water’s surface.
4. Shoreline Plants: These plants thrive along the pond’s edge and can endure occasional flooding.

Algae Control through Aquatic Plants:

Floating plants act as natural sunscreens, effectively blocking sunlight and preventing excessive algae growth. They also absorb nutrients, reducing the available food for algae, which keeps your pond clear and aesthetically pleasing.

Enhanced Natural Aesthetics :

Pond plants seamlessly blend your pond into the surrounding landscape, providing it with a more authentic appearance. They can also conceal pond equipment and other man-made structures, elevating the overall visual appeal.

Shelter and Protection for Aquatic Life:

Aquatic plants offer a sanctuary for fish, frogs, and other pond inhabitants, shielding them from predators and harsh sunlight. Furthermore, these plants serve as a food source for numerous aquatic creatures, transforming your pond into a bustling wildlife habitat.

Natural Water Filtration:

Functioning as nature’s filters, aquatic plants absorb potential pollutants and heavy metals, ensuring the cleanliness and health of your pond water.

Erosion Prevention:

Emergent and shoreline plants boast extensive root systems that fortify the soil, effectively preventing erosion and preserving the structural integrity of the pond.

Elevating Oxygen Levels:

Aquatic plants naturally oxygenate the water, creating a healthier environment for fish and curbing the growth of unwanted algae.

The Value of Native Plants in Aquatic Plants Advantages:

When selecting plants for your pond, it’s crucial to opt for native species. Native plants not only adapt better but also contribute to ecological balance. Avoid non-native and invasive plants, as they can disrupt the pond’s delicate ecosystem.

A Wide Selection to Choose From:

From grasses, rushes, reed, lily pads, irises, pickerel plants, and arrowheads to shoreline shrubs and trees, you have a diverse range of aquatic plants to enhance both the beauty and well-being of your pond.

Questions? Contact Us!

Navigating the world of aquatic plants and making the right choices can be a bit daunting. If you have any questions or need guidance on selecting the best plants for your pond, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to assist you!

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Each type of aquatic plant can offer benefits to your pond and its ecosystem. Understanding what plants bring to your pond can help you add just the right vegetation to reap the biggest benefits. Some of these benefits include…

Setting Naturalization

Plants can soften the barrier between your pond and the rest of your yard, creating a more organic, natural look rather than stiff, artificial borders. Use plants to mask pond equipment, drains, piping or other artificial structures such as fences or posts. You can even take it one step further by using unique foliage shapes and colors, aquatic blooms and interesting growth habits to add visual interest to your pond, creating a stunning waterscape you can enjoy for years.

Aquatic Plants for Water Filtration

Many aquatic plants not only absorb nutrients from the water, but also potential pollutants and heavy metals that make it into your water. They act as a natural filtration system that can keep your pond looking pristine. While overcrowded or sickly plants can die off and create murky water and excess debris, properly balanced plants are excellent natural filters.

Algae Control

Floating plants help to block sunlight from reaching the depths of your pond, which ultimately helps to minimize unsightly algae growth. Without the sun protection, algae may grow out of control, potentially clogging filters and turning water murky. Aquatic plants also absorb nutrients in the water, such as fish waste, which reduces the amount of nutrients available for algae blooms to consume. Less nutrients in your water means less chance for uncontrolled algae growth!

Aquatic Plants for Erosion Control

One of the most effective erosion control options is the use of emergent and shoreline plants. They typically have very large root structures that strengthen the soil and stabilize your pond’s shore. The more of these plants you grow, the stronger your shoreline will be.

Water Oxygenation

Aquatic plants can help raise the oxygen level of your pond’s water. This will not only make the water healthier for fish, but it will also reduce the need for artificial bubblers or oxygenators. When fish lack proper oxygen, they are more susceptible to diseases and poor health. Algae also thrives in low-oxygen water. Protect your fish and prevent algae growth by adding more aquatic plants to your pond.

Aquatic Plants Offer Fish Shelter and Protection

If fish, frogs and other aquatic wildlife have a home in your pond, the right plants can provide safe shelter to protect them from potential predators. Your fish will also appreciate the protection from too much direct sunlight. Many fish and other wildlife will also nibble on plants as a natural food source. Aquatic plants may attract turtles, insects, ducks, geese, and some mammals to your pond to feed. Your water garden will become a wildlife oasis!

One Final Note…

Carefully planning your use of aquatic plants will go a long way to ensuring a balanced natural pond ecosystem. Avoid adding non-native and invasive plants to your pond. There are many native plants that offer a great variety of benefits to your pond. There are grasses, rushes, reed, lily pads, irises, pickerel plants, arrowheads, shoreline shrubs, trees, and much more!  Contact us for more information.

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The Wonders of Water Lilies

They help to keep algae growth and water temperatures down by blocking out a lot of direct sunlight with their floating leaves. These leaves also provide shelter and hiding spaces for fish and water creatures alike. Water lilies can also help keep your pond clean and clear since they absorb nutrients from the water that would typically go towards feeding undesirable algae.

Water lilies are a good choice for beginners as they are dependable and easy to plant. The flowers blossom from spring to fall and go dormant in the winter. If you’d love to try growing water lilies but don’t have your own pond (yet!), well good news–water lilies can also thrive in decorative aquatic planters which you can display anywhere in your yard.

Planting Instructions

The planting steps are the same whether you are planting in an aquatic container or directly into a pond. You must first properly plant the rhizome–the water lily “seed”–in an aquatic planter roughly 14” x 7” in size. We recommend using a fabric or burlap planter as they are flexible and porous. Look for options with rope handles to assist with lowering the plant into your pond or container.

Once you have your planter, pour in a generous amount of proper aquatic potting media. This type of soil is heavier than fluffy potting soil which would float out of the container once submerged. Clean up the rhizome before adding it to the soil by removing old leaves and thick, fleshy roots. This will allow the water lily to focus its energy on growing new roots, stems, and blooms.

Make sure to place the rhizome at a 45º angle towards the center of the planter when adding it into the soil. The cut end should be placed at the edge of the pot and deeper into the soil. The growing tip should be exposed above the soil about three quarters of an inch.

To help keep the soil from escaping the planter once submerged, add a layer of gravel or small pebbles on top, about half an inch thick. Use a darker colored gravel if you don’t want the planter to be visible from above the water.

With the gravel in place, you can now lower the aquatic planter into either your decorative container or pond. If using a decorative container, it should be filled with water before you begin lowering the planter. It is important that you lower the planter at an angle to allow air to escape. Set the base of the planter 12”-18” deep under the water’s surface. If you are placing the planter into a pond that is deeper than 18”, utilize a planting ledge or rock support to keep the planter at the correct depth.

Final Notes

Congratulations! You are now on your way to growing your very own water lilies. These aquatic plants have a ferocious appetite and will perform best if well fed, so be sure to fertilize them! You can place aquatic fertilizer pellets directly into the soil.

Water lilies will also thrive in an area that receives at least 8-10 hours of direct sun per day. If your garden does not receive this amount of sun, consider growing a shade-tolerant water lily variety. They can tolerate as little as 4 hours.

If you are new to water lilies or have limited space, start with container growing only. Water lilies will grow to be the size of the container they are in. It may become overwhelming to manage an entire pond of water lilies if you are new to the practice.  Contact us to build a beauty pond to place all those flowers!

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1. Mosaic Pond Plant

Characterized by its beautiful mosaics in shades of red and green, the Mosaic Plant does wonderfully in calm, still water during the hot summer months. The mosaics form rosettes that appear as if to “float” magnificently on the water’s surface. This provides a place for your finned friends to hide underneath! This truly tropical plant looks its best when planted along the edge of a pond or in a container garden.

2. Waterlilies

Waterlilies are considered by many to be the “jewels” of the pond. They are stunning creatures that spread across the water’s surface, filling it with color while subsequently keeping the pond and its creatures safe and healthy. Their beautiful flower is their staple feature and can bloom in all colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, white, and a number of shades in between.

3. Blue Iris

The Blue Iris is one of the easiest and strikingly beautiful plants you can add to your water garden. Among the first plants to bloom in the spring, their flowers are breathtaking, with shades ranging from pale blue to purple. Looking for something unique? Aquatic irises comprise such a large and diverse group – there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of cultivated and natural hybrids. Some irises have been known to grow up to four feet tall!

4. Taro Pond Plants

Nicknamed “elephant ear” due to its broad leaves, Taro is an emergent plant that is natural to tropical regions. Although the plant prefers warmer climates, those in colder regions can bring the plant inside during extreme cold. Once indoors, place it near a sunny window and then transfer Taro back out to your pond when summer arrives. This impressive, leafy water lover grows to about 48″ and always makes a striking appearance in the water garden.

5. Horsetail Reed

Characterized by its deep-green, jointed stems and slender stalks that resemble bamboo, Horsetail Reed provides a striking architectural presence in your pond. This plant looks best in highly stylized water gardens or at the edge of ponds. It’s a fast spreader so you’ll want to keep this plant contained and thin the plant in the summer. In the fall, cut the plant all the way down to the ground to keep the spores from spreading.

6. Cardinal Flower

Red Cardinal Flowers provide a lovely pop of color and add vertical interest to your water garden setting. Plant this pretty flower along the shallow edges of your pond and watch hummingbirds and butterflies flock to it. The deep burgundy blooms offset the vibrant red flowers and attractive green foliage. The leaves are up to eight inches long and the plant can grow as tall as three feet.

7. Creeping Jenny Pond Plants

This low growing pond plant is often used as a ground cover and fares excellently when used in water gardening applications. Creeping Jenny plants feature round leaves that grow outwards, creating a beautiful cascading effect. Growing approximately two inches in height, it’s a great filler to soften rocky pond edges. Its bright leaves create a vivid contrast against the cool gray of wet stone. Tiny yellow flowers appear on the plant throughout summer, giving it added appeal.

8. Sweet Flag

The Sweet Flag is a friendly species ideal for containers and water gardens alike. Normally found in wetlands, the roots of a Sweet Flag are well-adjusted to sitting in shallow water, making it the perfect grass-like plant for your pond’s edge sections. The beautiful foliage is light green and highlighted with bright yellow stripes, remaining beautiful all season and sometimes through the winter. An all-around great plant that adds a bright, cheerful spot to any water feature!

9. Pickerel Pond Plant

This attractive plant bears blue spiked flowers from early summer well into fall. Closely related to grasses, Pickerel Plants grow in clumps with thick to flat stems. They make a great addition to any water garden due to their ease of care and hardiness. The blooms are long lasting and create a beautiful display when planted in masses.

10. Water Lettuce

Commonly found in slow moving waters, Water lettuce pond plants produce velvety, lime-green rosettes of leaves that look like little floating heads of lettuce. Super easy to grow, this plant floats on the surface of the water with its roots dangling below. In turn, these dangling roots serve as a safe haven for fish and directly absorb excess nutrients from the water, making them natural filters for any pond. Water lettuce does feature yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early winter, but they are often hidden in the foliage. Waterlilies are available in both hardy and tropical varieties.

Contact us for more information

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But even more importantly, they help balance the pond’s ecosystem and provide valuable biological filtration that removes nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates and other minerals from pond water. These excess nutrients are often the cause of unsightly water conditions. The end result helps to minimize pond maintenance, leaving more time to enjoy your pond.

Aquatic plants can be classified into a few main categories: water lilies, marginal plants, floaters and submerged (also known as oxygenators). Plants can also be put into two basic types known as “tropical” and “hardy.” Hardy plants will over-winter in colder climates and tropical plants are more suited to warmer climates, although tropical plants are often used as annuals in colder climate zones. Ideally, thirty to sixty percent of the water surface should be covered with aquatic plants.

Water Lilies

Water lilies are among the most popular of aquatic plants and are often the centerpiece of the water garden. A water garden never seems complete without a few beautiful water lilies. Not only are water lilies breathtaking but they provide valuable shade, which helps to keep the pond cool while providing refuge for pond fish.

Floaters

Floating plants do just as their name indicates: they float on the water’s surface. Their roots dangle beneath the plant absorbing all their nutrients from the water. Most floating plants do a great job of filtering ponds by removing nutrients directly from the water as opposed to the soil where most other aquatic plants are situated or planted.

Marginals

The marginal plant group is the largest aquatic plant group by far, containing both hardy and tropical plants. Most of them are true perennials and come back year after year, like your favorite Daylily or Black-Eyed Susan. Marginal plants serve many functions such as adding beauty and providing valuable filtration.

They are called “marginals” because they typically grow around the edges or “margins” of a pond or lake. Marginal plants thrive in wet soil or standing water that covers the crown or base of the plant by as little as two inches and up to as much as six inches. Some examples of marginals include sweet flag, marsh marigold, taro, canna, water iris and creeping Jenny.

Submerged

Like the name implies, this group of plants lives below the water surface. They are commonly referred to as oxygenators. Submerged aquatics do produce oxygen during most of the day. Submerged aquatic plants live entirely under water, almost. Some oxygenators bloom and the flowers often rise to the surface. They include plants such as elodea, anacharis, hornwort, foxtail, cabomba and vallisneria. For the most part, submerged plants absorb their nutrients directly from the water. This means they compete with algae for nutrients, thereby helping to balance the ecosystem.

Putting it All Together

Just like their soil counterparts, a good mix of aquatic plants lends the best visual impact for your water garden. Marginals help to blend the pond into the surrounding landscape, while water lilies provide pops of color at the water’s surface. Take some time to familiarize yourself with all the wonderful options out there and you’ll soon find what most appeals to you. Contact us for more information

Aquatic plants

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“Water Lilies’ is an extension of my life. Without the water, the lilies cannot live, as I am without art.” “I must have flowers. Always and always.”

-C. Monet

A famous quote from Monet regarding his deep love for flowers and particularly his collection of gorgeous water lilies. We couldn’t agree more, they truly are magnificent, all the while adding playfulness and whimsy to any water garden.

We believe a garden pond isn’t complete without a water lily – as nothing can compare with their dramatic leaves and beautiful flowers. Did you know, they are also attractive to bees, dragonflies and butterflies when in flower, too?

Once you know the secret to planting and growing healthy lilies, you’ll reap the reward of seeing bloom after spectacular bloom. So here’s Five Easy Tips you need to know and how to properly care for them.

Tip 1. Feed your Water Lilies

Fertilizer is “flower power” and key to enjoying a prolific display of blooms throughout the summer and into fall. When choosing to fertilize, you can choose between an annual fertilizer that you apply once the season begins, or you can utilize fertilizer tabs that you push into the soil every few weeks or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Either option is acceptable, but understand that waterlilies have an insatiable appetite and you must keep them fertilized to enjoy the best display of their beautiful blooms.

Tip 2. It’s Always Sunny…. in your pond

That’s excellent news, it should be when it comes to waterlily care, or at least for the best blooming results. Six hours of direct sunlight is just as important to your waterlilies as being properly fed. Partial sunlight isn’t enough exposure for most waterlilies to produce flower after flower. Sure, your lily pads will be substantial in the shade, but the parade of blooming color you’ve been hoping for will indefinitely come up short.

If your pond is located in a shady location, you can find a few shade-tolerant waterlilies that will perform well with about four hours of sun exposure a day. Just keep in mind, your best bet is six hours or more.

Tip 3. Putting Down (Water Lilies) Roots 

Waterlilies have large, robust root systems, so a large container is necessary for optimal growth.

Try to plant your waterlily in a large container specifically designed for lilies. A hardy waterlily should be potted in at least a 10″ wide pot, but larger is preferable – such as the Aquatic Lily Planter by Aquascape that measures 14” in diameter.

Tip 4. Select “Super” Soil

Choosing the best soil for your lillies is crucial, since it’s where the roots will grow. With all plants, the health and success of growth starts with the soil.

It’s important to use aquatic potting soil to plant your waterlily, rather than regular potting soil. Aquatic soil adequately meets the demands of aquatic plants and is a better choice than regular potting soil.

Spread a one-inch layer of aquatic potting soil in the bottom of a large lily planter. If you’re using an annual fertilizer that you apply once only, now is the time to spread it across the top of this thin layer of soil. (Please only use the recommended amount of fertilizer shown on the packaging instructions).

Next, add another thin layer of aquatic potting soil atop the fertilizer. Remove the lily from its original garden center pot and set it atop the soil. Be sure to fill in the sides of the lily planter with additional pond plant soil. If you opted to use a plant tab-type fertilizer, you can add them now.  Adding river rocks or other small pebbles on top of the soil is recommended to keep the potting media from leaching out into the water.

Tip 5.Home Sweet Home 

It’s time to give your waterlily a home! Place your new green goddess into the pond. Check the planting depth on the tag that came with your waterlily and place it at the proper depth level. This will typically be the bottom of your pond, if it’s around two feet deep. You can also place the waterlily on a plant shelf if your pond is fairly deep. Again, it’s important to make sure that your lily will get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.  Aquascape Aquatic Lily Planter are conveniently equipped with strong handles to easily lower the pot into the pond.

Following the above tips, and with proper sun and fertilizer, your waterlilies will produce bountiful blooms throughout the season. Please remember that water lilies thrive when their needs are fully met with all the proper conditions. Continue to fertilize them throughout the season, if you opted for a fertilizer tab. If you used an annual type fertilize, you won’t need to add it again until the next pond season.  Contact us for more information.

The post Raising Radiant Waterlilies in 5 Steps! appeared first on FNC PONDS.

Pond owners love their colorful koi and they equally love their pond plants. But for many, the struggle is real.  They cannot keep their koi from eating their favorite water lettuce.  After all, it sounds healthy, doesn’t it? Can koi and aquatic plants live together in together harmony?

Koi and pond plants:  Step one—Is there room for your koi?

The fish may be eating the plants because there are too many of them and not enough food!   When too many koi are in a pond, they will compete for everything—including food. So your pond plants are gone?  First check your koi density!

A good general way to think about koi stocking is to have no more than one inch of fish per 10 gallons of water. For example, you can have 300 inches of fish in 3000 gallons of water, which is about ten koi.

Remember, when buying small fish, they’re going to get bigger. Choose fish based on how large they’re going to grow, not how big they are now.   If you don’t provide koi with enough room, you risk plant health, water clarity, and the fish will suffer from stressful living conditions.

Understanding and feeding koi (so they don’t eat your pond plants)

Koi fish are curious fish and like to explore their surroundings with their mouths.  If you see that they have been nibbling around the base of the waterlilies, try using larger rocks around the base. Ones large enough to keep the fish from nudging them aside and feasting.

If you’re koi have full bellies, they will be less likely to eat your pond plants.  Although water lettuce is tasty, they prefer koi food more than anything else.  Fish prefer the taste and energy boost given to them by the food pellets.  So if you feed your fish once or twice a day (for only a minute or so) they will be full and less likely to eat plants. We recommend Aquscape fish food.

Peace and harmony—achieved!

Aquatic plants and fish complement one another very well and lead to a healthier, cleaner pond that easier to maintain.  Pond plants are so important in a pond—they oxygenate the water, reduce nitrates and offer coverage from predators. They also help remove toxins.

Simply make it a point to not overstock the pond and to feed your koi a quality fish food on a regular basis. You’ll find that koi and aquatic plants will then have a much more agreeable relationship.  Contact us with any questions or concerns, or to help you build you dream pond.

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