How Do You Grow Floating Pond Plants?
Floating plants are not only decorative in ornamental ponds, but help filter the water, shade and feed the fish and aid in the general natural balance. They will also cut down on unwanted green water and and other algae problems. Here are some suggestions on how to grow floating pond plants. Azolla There are several types of Azolla. They are all small plants and are actually true ferns. Most are bright green and will turn a rich red in the autumn as the water cools. Azolla helps to fix nitrogen and any extra plants that are skimmed out of the water can serve as an excellent compost or mulch for the garden. These little plants float in large blankets on the surface of the water giving shade to fish beneath and sheltering ponds from too much algae-causing bright sun. Fish love to nibble on them and they are very nutritious. Most varieties can handle a light frost. Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) The water hyacinth is a shiny odd shaped, bulbous, bright green plant that spreads by th
