- In addition to serving as decor, pond plants provide oxygen and protection for koi fish. They act as a filter, turning fish waste into plant food, says 2009 Pond Plants. Pond plants also reduce the growth of algae in a koi pond.
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There are four types of plants that are needed for a healthy koi pond, according to 2009 Pond Plants. They are oxygenators, floaters, deep water aquatics and bog plants.
Oxygenators grow under water and provide oxygen to the fish and help reduce the growth of algae. They also serve as a covering on the pond floor. Floaters, which float on the water's surface, often have flowers and add to the pond's appearance. They also provide shade and protection for the fish. Deep water aquatic plants are similar; they float on the surface of the water and often include a flower, but they are rooted at the bottom of the pond. Bog plants grow around the perimeter of a pond, also offering protection. - For every 10 square feet of pond, the following number of plants is appropriate, according to Garden-Pond-Plants.com: two bunches of oxygenating plants,one deep water aquatic plant and one bog plant. As for floaters, one-third of the pond's surface should be covered.
- Pond plants must be planted in specially designed baskets with aquatic compost, according to Garden-Pond-Plants.com. The top of the basket should be covered with stones to prevent the koi from disturbing the roots. If desired, add fertilizer specific for pond plants to help them grow. Otherwise, they grow well on their own.
- Snails and insects might eat pond plants, and it's important to watch for holes or rotting in the plants, according to Pond-O-Mania.com. Also, rodents might be harmful to pond plants, as they might use the plants for building nests.
