Oxygenated Plants for Ponds: A Complete Guide

Adding oxygenated plants is one of the best and most natural ways to keep your pond water clear and healthy. These underwater plants absorb nutrients from the water that would otherwise feed algae growth. Their ability to oxygenate the water also creates a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic life.

In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using oxygenated plants in your pond or water feature.

What Are Oxygenated Pond Plants?

Oxygenated pond plants, also called submerged plants, are plants that live entirely underwater. During photosynthesis, they release oxygen into the water. Some common examples include eelgrass, fanwort, and hornwort.

Unlike floating plants or marginal plants oxygenators grow below the surface of the water. They typically have fine feathery leaves that sway gently in the current. Many species spread quickly to form underwater “meadows.”

Benefits of Oxygenated Plants

Here are some of the top benefits that oxygenated plants provide for your pond:

• Improve water clarity: By absorbing excess nutrients, oxygenated plants prevent algae growth that can cloud water.

• Add oxygen: Through photosynthesis, these plants infuse oxygen into the water. This benefits fish and aerobic bacteria.

• Provide habitat The leaves offer shade, shelter, and surfaces for algae and microbes that are eaten by fish

• Compete with algae Oxygenators absorb the same nutrients that fuel algae blooms, helping suppress algae growth.

• Filtration: Their feathery leaves trap debris and sediment, helping filter the water.

• Aesthetic appeal: The underwater leaves add natural beauty and views for pond owners.

Best Oxygenating Pond Plants

Many oxygenator species are available for ponds. Some top options include:

Eelgrass

This versatile grass thrives in sun or shade. Its long, bright green leaves provide ample oxygen. It’s easy to plant and tolerates a wide temperature range.

Fanwort

Known for its fan-shaped leaves, fanwort is popular in ponds and aquariums. It grows in 3 to 8 feet of water and spreads quickly once established.

Arrowhead

Also called dwarf sagittaria, this plant has arrow-shaped leaves. It adapts to various water depths and temperatures. Arrowhead helps shade out algae growth.

Hornwort

With delicate, pine needle-like leaves, hornwort is excellent for beginners. It provides oxygen and removes excess nutrients from the water.

Red Ludwigia

Adding a pop of color with its red leaves, Red Ludwigia thrives in shallow water up to 3 feet deep. It prefers steady water temperatures between 72-82°F.

Water Lettuce

Floating water lettuce has round leaves that resemble small cabbages. Although a floater, its oxygenating roots dangle below the surface. It provides fish habitat.

![Water lettuce plants with round leaves floating on a pond’s surface][]

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How to Plant Oxygenators

Planting oxygenating pond plants takes just a few simple steps:

• Choose a suitable spot in your pond with adequate sunlight and room for the plant to spread. Avoid crowding other plants.
• Place the roots of the oxygenator in a small pot or planting basket filled with pond soil or gravel to anchor it.
• Lower the plant to the pond bottom and ensure it’s fully submerged. Over time, roots will take hold in the sediment.
• Give plants a few weeks to establish. Trim or thin aggressive spreaders as needed.

For the best results, plant several groups of oxygenators spaced around the pond. This infuses oxygen throughout the water.

Caring for Oxygenating Plants

Caring for submerged oxygenators is fairly simple:

• Sunlight: Ensure plants receive 4-6 hours of sun daily, either direct or indirect light. More shade can cause dieback.
• Nutrients: Use liquid pond fertilizer or nutrients tabs pushed into the soil around the plants. This fuels growth.
• Pruning: Trim fast-spreading oxygenators as needed to prevent overcrowding. Cut stems just above the soil line so they resprout.
• Cleaning: Remove debris caught on leaves to allow light penetration and water flow to the plants.
• Water flow: Prevent stagnant zones around oxygenators. Good circulation is key.
• Winterprep: In cold climates, cut back plants before winter. Potted plants can be brought indoors until spring.

Using Oxygenators for Clear Water

If you’re battling green, algae-filled water, using oxygenators is an eco-friendly remedy. Here are some tips:

• Start by removing as much algae and debris as possible through skimming the surface, raking, or using an algaecide product. This gives plants a “clean slate.”
• Introduce several bunches of fast-growing oxygenators like hornwort or elodea. Cluster plants in the worst areas.
• Reduce future nutrient loads by controlling runoff sources, feeding fish judiciously, and cleaning filters regularly. Starve algae of fuel.
• Be patient. It takes time for oxygenators to become established and make a visible impact. Monitor and supplement with algae removers as needed.
• Consider adding a pond aeration system to further boost dissolved oxygen levels for a healthy pond ecosystem.![Green pond water with floating algae and plants][]

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Common Problems With Oxygenating Plants

While relatively easy to grow, oxygenators can encounter a few problems:

• Melting or dying leaves: This is usually due to drastic temperature swings. Acclimate plants slowly to avoid shock.
• Leaves coated in algae: Improve water flow around plants. Remove algae manually and dose algaecide if severe.
• Rotting stems/foul odor: Indicates dead plant matter. Remove immediately and discard to prevent fungus. Improve circulation.
• Invasive spread: Rapid spreaders like elodea can choke out other plants. Control growth through pruning and containment.
• Fish/animal damage: Koi and other fish may nibble leaves. Use barriers to protect plants until established. Remove offenders.
• Poor growth: This can result from inadequate nutrients, sunlight, or oxygen. Test water and fertilize plants if needed.

Oxygenating Plant Options for Ponds

There are many oxygenator species to choose from. Here are some top options to consider:

Eelgrass – Fast-growing Vallisneria with bright green ribbon-like leaves. Tolerates various conditions. Provides food for fish fry.

Fanwort – Feathery Cabomba leaves that give off lots of oxygen. Quickly spreads in ideal conditions. An excellent nutrient sponge.

Hornwort – Hardy pond plant with pine-needle foliage. Easy for beginners. Provides dense shade to suppress algae.

Anacharis – Also called Elodea. Fast-growing stems with small pointed leaves. Great for absorbing excess nutrients.

Red Ludwigia – Beautiful red-hued leaves that add striking color. Thrives in shallow, warm water. Moderate spreader.

Water Lettuce – Floating cabbage-like leaves with trailing underwater roots to oxygenate. Naturalizes easily. Helps shade water.

Arrowhead – Versatile sagittaria that tolerates variable water depths and temps. Pure white flowers. Good shade provider.

Moneywort – Low-growing stems with small round leaves. Good nitrogen absorber. Attractive in waterfall basins.

Rotala – Red Rotala is a popular aquarium plant now used in ponds. Produces heads of pink flowers above water.

Parrot’s Feather – Trailing stems with delicate feather-like foliage. Requires ample nutrients. Top growth dies back in winter.

By using the right mix of oxygenator species for your needs, you can keep pond water clear and provide essential habitat for a balanced pond ecosystem.