SO you have finally built a fountain, and perhaps invested a lot of money to make sure that your water feature will not require much attention in terms of maintenance because you have installed a top-notch filtration system.
You might now be planning to add koi fishes or even some red-eared turtles to make the pond even livelier.
Now there is one more thing that you have to consider adding to your pond which is rather significant yet often overlooked; aquatic plants that can function as oxygen suppliers to those animals as well as absorbing their waste, hence making the water cleaner and preventing the formation of algae.
Some homeowners believe they have enough plants for their landscape and leave out plants in the water feature. However, including water plants in your garden can be an effective way to enhance the overall environment and complement the green softscape.
There are plenty of water-friendly plants that either have unique flowers or eccentric grass structures which are partially submerged and can float on the surface of the water to choose from.
But, as a rule of thumb, these plants must be placed in the calmer zones of the pond where the movement of the water will not splash them regularly. Here are some recommended plants you can easily purchase from the nursery.
ALOCASIA
These plants have large leaves, hence the nickname Elephant Ears. Certain species are associated with the edible taro (Keladi). The ones that you get from the nursery are usually hybridised and love the shade, but it can be fully exposed to the sun.
BACOPA CAROLINIANA
Also known as the Lemon Bacopa, this aquatic herb has purplish flowers and exudes a citrusy smell when the leaves are crushed. It can also be used as an aquarium plant as it can be submerged up to 20 inches underneath the surface. The plant thrives well in both shade and sun.
ASIATICA PENNYWORT /PEGAGA
A firm favourite among landscapists, these plants are known for their healing and cooling properties. Their circular leaf structure will provide good shade for aquatic life.
EQUISETUM ARVENSE/ HORSETAIL
Another miraculous plant used as an herbal remedy that dates back to Roman and Greek times. This plant looks like a miniature bamboo tree.
NELUMBO NUCIFERA / LOTUS
The lotus plant is a beautiful addition to any water feature. However, be warned that it is an invasive species, so homeowners who want to keep these plants in their pond should be wary that they can overpopulate and cover the whole surface.
TYPHA LATIFOLIA / CAT TAIL
When the flower stalks mature, it resembles the tail of a cat hence its name. The cat tail shoots are eaten by native Americans and consumed like vegetables while its pollen are turned into flour. For landscaping, this plant is used alongside a water body such as a pond, artificial lake and slow moving rivers to create a wetland setting.
