Aquatic plants are the foundation to a balanced eco-system. The health of a pond or water garden depends on good planting to remove nitrates from the water. Aquatic plants should cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the surface area. Too many plants will increase oxygen in a water garden during the day, which is good. However, too many plants can cause oxygen deprivation at night. This is dangerous for ponds with fish because you may limit the amount of oxygen available to them. Too few plants will increase nitrates (plant food) and raise the chance for algae to grow.

Hardy aquatic plants such as floaters (i.e. azolla, duckweed, frogbit, water hyacinth, water lettuce) lotuses, and water lilies will offer you koi shade and protection from predators. Marginal plants (i.e. butterbur, cattail, iris, marsh marigold, sweetflag) also offer protection, for your koi, from predators that may come from the water's edge. Marginals are plants that grow in the shallow water at the water's edge. They are best used when planted in layers; taller marginals should be planted as a backdrop and shorter marginals should be planted near your viewing area. Avoid planting marginals where they will hinder your view of a focal point. Instead, use them to frame a view.

For us in a cold climate, some aquatic plants are considered tropicals. Tropical aquatic plants include bog lily, canna, papyrus, taro, and some varieties of water lilies.

Here at Avant Garden Pond Supply, we have the products and knowledge to help you properly plant your water feature. Please browse our selection of planting baskets and bags, floating islands, fertilizers, and planting media for all your water gardening needs. Remember, hardy aquatic plants need a 50° water temperature and tropical aquatic plants prefer a 70° water temperature. Don't forget your floating thermometer. If you are a pond owner in the Omaha, Nebraska area and would like to purchase some aquatic plants, call for an availability/price list.

All prices listed on this site are for online orders and may not represent in-store pricing.