A decorative pond is often associated with a decorated shoreline and water lilies, although in fact there are a huge variety of plants that can decorate and complement the water surface. Moreover, if you correctly select the “inhabitants” of a decorative pond, then the pond can become the highlight of a summer cottage that does not require constant care.

Plant oxygenators (underwater)

Almost all oxygenator plants do not perform decorative functions, but at the same time they are the most important "inhabitants" of the reservoir. After all, it is thanks to these plants that a decorative pond can remain clean and well-groomed without additional effort.

Often the leaves, flowers and stems of these plants are under water and only occasionally appear on the surface, so they are often called underwater. The purpose of "underwater lifeguards" is to absorb carbon dioxide and normalize the oxygen balance in their habitat.

The most popular representatives of oxygen generators:

• Autumn swamp

Autumn swamp - perennial herbaceous plant, which is partially or completely immersed in water, only small light green leaves are visible above the surface. The swamp propagates in spring or summer using cuttings.

• Urut spiky

Urut spiky is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant with thin branching stems of reddish or brown color. Urut reproduces very quickly and is able to displace other plants forming dense clusters.

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• Hornwort dark green

Dark green hornwort is a long-stemmed plant with green needle-like leaves and a reddish stem. The hornwort grows very quickly and at the same time it is very unpretentious. Propagated by simple division of the stem, it is enough to take a very small piece.

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Plants floating on the surface

A characteristic feature of floating plants is the leaves and stems that float on the surface of the water. These plants are an indispensable protection from the sun, they prevent the development of blue-green algae and help create a stable temperature regime in an ornamental pond.

In addition to "rescue" functions, plants living on the surface perform decorative functions. As a rule, these plants have beautiful broad leaves and bright showy flowers.

The most popular representatives of these species:

• Azolla

Azolla is a beautiful water plant of the floating fern genus. Its small paired leaves float on the surface of the water, forming large colonies, which in the warm season can grow to a significant size in just a few weeks.

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• Vodokras

Vodokras is a perennial plant with creeping stems and medium-sized white flowers. Sand or fine silted gravel 4-5 cm thick is suitable as a soil for water paint. This perennial propagates by planting seeds and rhizome segments. It is recommended to plant it in an unshaded place or in partial shade.

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• water chestnut

Water chestnut or chilim is a fairly rare annual water plant today, listed in the Red Book. Propagation and planting are very simple - just throw chilim nuts into the required place with a suitable depth. If there is not enough fertile soil in the reservoir, then the nuts are planted in containers, and then drowned. An important condition for the existence of an aquatic plant is the absence of large mollusks that eat the leaves of the hornwort.

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• Wolfia

Wolfia is one of the smallest flowering plants, characterized by green elliptical formations (no more than 1 mm in diameter). This small plant needs good light, but at the same time it must be protected from direct sunlight. Wolfia is not picky about temperature and water hardness, but needs little water movement.

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• Duckweed

Duckweed, along with reeds, is one of the most common aquatic plants. Duckweed looks like a cluster of small leaves floating on the surface of the water. Duckweed lives in well-lit stagnant or slowly flowing water bodies. Of the care, only the periodic capture of a part of the duckweed population should be singled out, since it grows very quickly. Duckweed reproduces vegetatively and, as mentioned above, very quickly.

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• water hyacinth

Water hyacinth is a flowering aquatic plant distinguished by large oval-shaped leaves and large inflorescences slightly similar to garden hyacinth flowers. Water hyacinth prefers well-lit areas of water and high temperature water due to its tropical origin. Under good living conditions, it can multiply so quickly that it begins to displace other plants from the reservoir, leaving them without oxygen.

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deep sea plants

Most of these plants feel great when planted to a depth of 2 meters. The best option for cultivating deep-water plants is to plant them in special containers that are placed at the bottom of the reservoir. When choosing suitable flowers, one should take into account the frost resistance of the plant; this or that flower will be able to overwinter in a decorative pond.

• Lotus

Lotus is an incredibly beautiful herbaceous amphibian plant that can grow for several years thanks to its massive root, in which it accumulates nutrients. The lotus owes its popularity to large cream, yellow or pink flowers.

Lotus can be propagated both by seeds and rhizome. Moreover, in the second case, the lotus may bloom the next season. When planting a lotus, it should be remembered that this flower loves clean water, so it is better to sprinkle the bottom of the reservoir with small pebbles and do not forget about periodically cleaning the water. In the spring, if the lotus has grown, it must be cut off, first of all, removing old and dying flowers and leaves.

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• Aponogeton

Aponogeton is a widespread rhizomatous aquatic plant with large, lanceolate leaves. For development and inconspicuous flowering, this plant requires a water temperature in the reservoir of at least 18 ° C, so it is often planted directly into the water directly in pots, and in the fall they are taken to the basement for wintering.

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• small egg

The pod is an ornamental aquatic plant in the water lily family. This type of water lily has a powerful root system, so the soil layer at the bottom of the reservoir must be at least 7 cm. For full growth, the egg pod needs two more things: good lighting and clean water. It is advisable to change the water at least 1-2 times a month if it is an artificial reservoir, or install water purification filters and cover the bottom with pebbles to reduce the amount of turbidity in the water.

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• Nymphaenik

Nymphaeum or marsh flower is a perennial deep-water plant that stands out for its height, which depends on the water level in the reservoir and can reach one meter. Flowers and green leaves resembling a water lily develop on a long stem. The flowers of the marsh flower are more like buttercups and are collected in small brushes. The nymphaeum gives its preference to quiet, illuminated backwaters and shallow reservoirs.

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• Shelkovnik

The mulberry belongs to the buttercup family and is often found in standing or slow-flowing bodies of water. In artificial reservoirs, it is often used to enrich the water with oxygen, in addition, it adapts quite easily to life on land, which makes it very popular. Silkworm reproduces vegetatively using stem segments.

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coastal plants

In order for the reservoir not to stand out from the general design of the summer cottage, it is necessary to take care of a smooth transition between water and land, for this it is necessary to select plants that will decorate the coastal line and help ensure oxygen access under the ice crust in winter.

• Bolotnik

Perennial aquatic plant, very hardy. The stems are immersed in water, thin, curved, branched. It grows in lakes, rivers and canals, prefers stagnant or slowly flowing water, but can also live on waterlogged soil - damp hollows and periodically flooded areas.

The swamp is very unpretentious. Suitable for growing light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy clay soils. It needs a well-lit place, but on very hot days the plant can be shaded. For good growth, the depth of the soil when planting should be at least 15-20 cm.

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• water pine

As a predominantly swamp plant, the water pine grows well in shallow water, but can also grow completely underwater. This plant is very unpretentious and winter-hardy. As a rule, it is planted in growth limiters or in containers with any soil that can be submerged to a depth of 1 m. It grows equally well both in the sun and in the shade.

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• Iris

Some moisture-loving species of the genus Iris can grow in close proximity to water bodies. They are able to grow in shallow water and in the coastal zone on excessively moistened soils. Most of them grow successfully when the rhizomes and lower parts of the stems are immersed in water. Moisture-loving species include Kaempfer's Iris and Siberian Iris.

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• Marsh marigold

Marsh marigold is a beautiful primrose of bright yellow, orange or golden colors with a fleshy stem. The plant is very fond of well-moistened soil, so it is ideal for planting near water bodies. In care, the marigold is very unpretentious: any fertile soil, almost any lighting is suitable for it (partial shade is preferable). The marigold propagates by dividing the bush.

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• cattail

Cattail is one of the most common and unpretentious perennial aquatic plants of the sedge family. Cattail is planted in shallow water, propagation is usually carried out in early spring by dividing the rhizome. After planting, the plant requires abundant watering and good lighting.

The benefits of indoor plants living in water are obvious to humans. Dry indoor air, especially in winter, when this indicator reaches critical levels, is harmful to the body and can cause poor health, lower immunity and a provoking factor for the development of diseases. Plants that live in the water help maintain the optimum level of humidity for comfortable well-being without expensive appliances. In addition, they create an atmosphere of natural comfort in the house for a relaxing holiday and recuperation.

This plant, perhaps, should be put on the first place in this list. With a very spectacular exotic appearance, it is absolutely unpretentious and practically does not require maintenance - if there is water, and the more, the better. The homeland of cyperus, similar to the "skeleton" of an umbrella, is the swampy tropics of the African continent. It is most convenient to plant it in a small flowerpot, which, in turn, is placed in a deep tray or a large decorative planter so that the container with cyperus is completely immersed in water. The container can be stylized as a miniature pond.

Cyperus will not be against regular spraying, but will easily adapt to live in adverse conditions. But putting it in the open sun is highly discouraged, direct sunlight is more destructive for it than a persistent lack of light. The plant is quite satisfied with the eastern or even the northern window sill. Drying of the earthen coma is not allowed. Of the mineral supplements, nitrogen will be most useful.

Another moisture-loving guest from Africa, which easily takes root in room conditions and loves water very much. Calla is completely unpretentious in terms of temperature and, despite its southern origin, is not afraid of even cold unheated rooms. Large glossy leaves are decorative in themselves, but when the plant throws out a peduncle with an elegant snow-white veil, it is impossible not to admire it.

However, you should know which callas are suitable for year-round maintenance in a humid environment. All of them are divided into two large, very different groups - rhizomatous and tuberous. It is the first ones, with white bracts, that belong to plants that grow in water. The latter can be of very different colors and have a pronounced dormant period, which occurs in the winter months, and it is at this time that they require fairly dry conditions. Watering at this time should be limited, while the rest of the time, the recommended humidity for their maintenance is 75-80%.

If, after flowering, calla lilies leave the cob to ripen on the peduncle, by the end of summer it will sink into the water, and the seeds that have ripened in it will give new shoots.

The name itself with the prefix "hydro" indicates a plant that lives in water. The birthplace of hydrocleis is the tropics of Central America, where it grows in abundance in warm waters without a fast current. Its shoots are under water and have the ability to grow rapidly, releasing rounded smooth leaves to the surface, as if covered with wax and gradually forming a thick green carpet. At the peak of the warm season, hydrocleis blooms with bright yellow delicate inflorescences that rise 10 cm above the water level. In room conditions, a container of water is enough for this plant, since its stems are able to grow and develop without even reaching the bottom. If they reach the soil layer, they quickly take root, and the shoots grow even more rapidly.

A semi-submerged plant with leaves of various structures, which can grow both free-floating and attached to the ground. It is a herbaceous perennial, some varieties of which are widely used in aquarium culture (eichornia azure, thick-legged, various-leaved). Large, very decorative flowers in a lilac-blue palette rise high above the water and bloom for a very short time, no more than 2 days. The pedicel, after the bud wilts, again descends into the water, where seeds are formed from the ovary. After maturation, they float to the surface.

If the aerial part of the plant is of more interest, and not its underwater part, it is recommended to choose an excellent eichornia. For an aquarium, a multi-leaved variety will be more suitable.

An annual plant of the fern family with tiny scale leaves. Growing rapidly, under natural conditions they form a “plush” carpet similar to moss on the surface of stagnant tropical and subtropical reservoirs. It has floating roots, thanks to which it can grow in a decorative container with water without a soil bottom. In room conditions, Azolla is ideal for growing in close proximity or under plants that require high humidity (instead of an unattractive water pan). The plant has the ability to accumulate a large amount of nitrogen, thanks to which it can later be used for mulching garden perennials or for adding to compost.

Pistia differs from most plants living in water in that in its natural environment it prefers running water rather than stagnant water. But at home it feels great in aquariums. Pistia can be recommended for growing in warm greenhouses with artificial reservoirs. If most plants that grow completely in water become cloudy over time and require replacement of its contents, then this culture, on the contrary, serves as a natural filter for it. The root system of pistia has the ability to remove both organic suspensions and turbidity and heavy salts from water, making it clean and transparent. In regions of natural growth (tropics and subtropics), it is often used in treatment facilities. The plant is often called water lettuce for its resemblance to garden greens.

Pistia leaves can be used for non-standard applications - removing grease stains on fabrics or washing dishes.

A completely submerged plant, very popular with aquarists. The thickets of this grass serve as an excellent shelter for the inhabitants of the aquarium and an excellent substrate for laid eggs, but are of no interest as a decorative indoor culture. At the same time, the urut can serve as a spectacular backdrop for other plantings. The plant is very sensitive to water temperature and not too demanding on light.

An amazing plant that, with sufficient moisture, can grow even in the air. For indoor breeding, it is also interesting that it can grow in rooms that are unsuitable for home flowers, such as a bathroom. True, from time to time it will still have to be taken out into the light, but in no case under direct sunlight. The ideal location would be a bathroom with a window. This is a very ornamental plant, the pink bract that looks like an open fan gives the greatest effect to its appearance. In room conditions, in addition to abundant watering, it requires frequent abundant spraying.

When choosing a tillandsia, you should pay attention to the color of its foliage. The less silver in it, the higher the requirements for air humidity.

Charming indoor flower With popular name"hairy grass", invariably attracting attention with its most delicate filamentous foliage. Isolepsis flowers do not differ in their bright appearance or size, however, against the background of the thinnest leaves, they look very impressive, like rare small pearls. Like all reed varieties, it is a typical inhabitant of swampy areas, loves water very much and requires high humidity. It does not need winter rest, and therefore it is excellent for heated rooms in order to moisten them, but it requires frequent spraying. Grows well in trays with moist substrate or in hydroponics.

This plant can be started even by very lazy owners, since it requires almost no attention at all. We are talking about certain varieties of bamboo that are perfectly adapted to life in water. At the same time, it is able to survive in dry conditions, so nothing terrible will happen if the water evaporates completely for a short time. Another advantage of bamboo is that it tolerates the lack of lighting and can stand at the back of the room, decorating the interior with its exotic shape. For growing a sufficiently high transparent vessel with water. Designers recommend using simple cylindrical glass.

Having a rather modest appearance, calamus is able to effectively revive a home plant collection. It looks especially good in the company of callas or bamboo. Perfect for growing in florariums. It has a light tangerine aroma. Wherever calamus grows, its lower part should always be in water, and air humidity should be maximum. In winter, the need for moisture is significantly reduced, but the complete drying of the earthen coma cannot be allowed even at this time. A signal of excessively dry air in the room is the tips of its hard, elongated leaves that begin to dry out.

If the soil is not depleted, kept in cool, moist conditions, and the bush is divided every 3 years, the life of the cereal calamus is unlimited.

Wet plants are used for landscaping areas with high levels of moisture and soil acidity. Usually they are used in lowlands and along wetlands to form landscape design. See swamp plants in the photo and read brief characteristics each species in this review. This will allow you to choose the appropriate types for landscaping your territory. The names and photos of marsh plants are given in alphabetical order for ease of information retrieval.

The roots of these plants should be located near the shore, in the ground under water, most of the plant itself is above the surface of the water, in the air. These shallow water plants soften the boundary between water and shore, their flowers and leaves adorn the pond and stream. There are many such plants, depending on the type, they are planted in water to a depth of 15-30 cm on a terrace in a pond or in shallow water. Their roots are located either in a basket or directly in the ground. Let's list some of them.

Calamus marsh (Acorus calamus) and his photo

calamus marsh (Acorus calamus)- this is a frost-resistant herbaceous perennial that looks like an iris, its height is up to 1 m, the leaves are xiphoid, pointed. An interesting variety "Variegata" with longitudinal cream stripes on the leaves, it reaches a height of 60-80 cm and is quite frost-resistant in the conditions of the Moscow region. Calamus grows well at a depth of 8-15 cm in the sun and in the shade, perfectly cleans the water.

Look at the photo calamus marsh and options for its use:

Photo gallery

Marsh calla (Calla palustris) and its photo

Marsh calla (Calla palustris)- This is a low perennial with a height of 15-20 cm, it is interesting for large white flowers with a yellow cob, appearing from mid-May to the end of June. By the end of summer bright red fruits are formed. It is planted to a depth of 5-10 cm, it improves water quality. If planted in a sunny position in calm water, its shiny heart-shaped leaves up to 20 cm wide will eventually completely cover the shore of the pond, the plant forms a dense carpet, grows quickly, but is easily controlled.

This effect is well demonstrated by photos of the marsh calla, which can be seen below:

Photo gallery

Mannik (Glyceria) and his photo

Variety of manna large, or water (G. maxima), "Variegata" with yellowish longitudinal stripes on the leaves reaches a height of 50-60 cm. It grows well in partial shade, takes root quickly, and is characterized by aggressive growth. In waterlogged places and shallow water at a depth of up to 15 cm, it forms lush curtains, but it also grows well in dry areas. If you started this plant in some place in the garden, it will be difficult to completely destroy it. If you simply throw a piece of the root into a natural reservoir, a huge, beautiful, abundantly flowering curtain grows. In an artificial pond, plant only in a container.

See examples of using manna in the photo of the plots:

Photo gallery

In addition to limiting growth and keeping within certain limits, variegated glyceria does not require care. It is good for decorating the coastal zone of a reservoir and a swamp. Although the glyceria is an aggressor, the aggressor is very decorative, do not drive it out of the garden, just think in advance how to tame it.

Iris marsh (Iris pseudacorus) and his photo

This is the most unpretentious of all irises, growing in humid places in our strip, with powerful belt-like vertical leaves up to 1.2 m tall and abundant flowering. Of particular note is the form of the swamp iris with white flowers, as well as the variety with double flowers. The variegated form of marsh iris "Variegata" is elegant, only 60-70 cm high, in spring the leaves of this variety are white-green, in summer they turn completely green. Feels great in the sun and in the shade. Planting depth in water 5-25 cm.

Photo gallery

Marsh marigold (Сaltha palustris) and its photo

Perennial plant, forming loose bushes up to 40 cm tall, with leathery, shiny, rounded leaves. It blooms from the end of April for 20 days with golden yellow flowers up to 4.5 cm in diameter. Prefers highly moist places, can grow in dry places with abundant watering. planted to a depth of 5 cm.

The species plant is also attractive, but garden forms with white flowers and double yellow flowers are especially good.

This is one of the earliest flowering coastal plants, as evidenced by photos of marigold marigold:

Photo gallery

Arrowhead ordinary (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and his photo

So named for the above-water arrow-shaped leaves. It is planted at a depth of 8-12 cm. It blooms in June-August, on a trihedral peduncle there are whorls with three flowers, each of which has three white petals with a raspberry speck and three sepals.

Known Variety "Flore Pleno" with double flowers, wintering without problems in the conditions of the Moscow region.

Photos of the common arrowhead amaze with the beauty of this plant:

Photo gallery

Susak umbrella (Butomus umbellatus) and his photo

This is one of the most attractive flowering aquatic plants. Long narrow leaves have a triangular cross-section. Peduncles without leaves 0.7-1.2 m high crowned with an umbrella of 20-30 pink flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowers bloom non-simultaneously, in each umbrella there are buds, and just opened, and already withered flowers. In the center of the flower are bright crimson pistils and stamens. During flowering, susak is very decorative; it blooms in June - August.

Planted to a depth of 8-10 cm, but the plant can also grow in swampy soil along the banks of the pond. The best place for planting - sunny, with nutritious soil. Once every two or three years, the plant is divided, otherwise the quality of flowering deteriorates.

A properly grown common arrowhead in the photo allows you to evaluate the power of this plant:

Photo gallery

Common reed (Phragmites australis) and its photo

A perennial species plant up to 4 m high, with long and thick, creeping rhizomes and erect stems with numerous nodes, too large for a garden pond. It forms thickets in damp places and along the banks of natural reservoirs. The leaves of the species plant are grayish-green, hard, elongated, wide. The inflorescence is a large panicle with many individual brown-violet or yellowish small spikelets. Blooms in July - August.

Effective Variety "Variegatus" only 1.5 m high with bright leaves with yellow longitudinal stripes. It grows well in shallow water bodies and marshy soils, and tolerates dry conditions, but grows much weaker. Prefers open, sunny places. Aggressive, requires limiting the area of ​​growth, cannot be planted in water bodies with a film coating, its rhizomes easily pierce the film. It can be submerged in water up to 50 cm, but it also thrives on the shore.

Various types of common reed in the photo demonstrate the possibilities of their application:

Photo gallery

Chastuha plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) and her photo

An aquatic plant with ovate leaves, blooms in July-August with pale pink flowers collected in a large pyramidal panicle up to 70 cm high. damp places and on the banks of reservoirs at a depth of 5-15 cm. It looks better in reservoirs decorated in a natural style.

Decorative ponds are widely used in landscape design. A mirror pond, a winding stream, an artificial waterfall give the park area or backyard a unique look. Luxurious greenery and flowering aquatic plants create a picturesque composition of a miniature or large reservoir.

Varieties of aquatic plants

Flora living in a reservoir serves not only as an ornament. It acts as a natural filter, absorbing organic debris and bacteria. Maintains purity and transparency of water, saturating it with oxygen. Large leaves reflect the sun's rays on a hot summer day and protect the water surface from overheating.

Turtles, fish, snails and other inhabitants of the reservoir feel good in the shade of sprawling thickets. Features of the ecosystem of a natural or artificial pond depend on which plants grow in the water.

Several groups can be distinguished:

• deep sea;
• floating;
• coastal and moisture-loving;
• oxygenators or purifiers.

When choosing plants, you need to consider the location of the reservoir and its illumination. Many ornamental aquatic species need 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and bloom.

Some species do well in more shaded areas. The water surface occupied by plants should not exceed 1/5 of the total area of ​​the reservoir.

deep sea species

This group includes most flowering plants that take root in the ground and need good sunlight. They are planted in the central part of the pond. The depth must be at least half a meter. Names of water plants used for decorative purposes:

Floating water chestnut - a plant from the Red Book of Russia

floating plants

These species have a developed root system and absorb nutrients directly from the water. They are not fixed in the ground. For them, a small depth is sufficient. Free-floating roots give shelter to small inhabitants of the reservoir. These plants are biological filters. They grow rapidly in the pond, so pruning and removal of excess shoots is necessary. The most popular among them:

Features of building a pond with your own hands at their summer cottage

Coastal and moisture-loving varieties

Grows well in shallow water and along coastlines. Most often they perform a decorative function. The most common of them:

common reed plant

Pond cleaners

Oxygenators are used to purify and filter water. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen and prevent water blooms, preventing algae from actively multiplying. Most of the plant is below the surface. They are used as cleaners.

Aquatic plants growing in natural and artificial reservoirs, not only are their decoration, but also perform the functions of cleaning and creating a biological ...

Aquatic plants: types, description, names

By Masterweb

02.06.2018 22:00

Aquatic plants or hydrophytes growing in natural reservoirs are not only their decoration, but also perform the functions of cleaning and creating a biological microclimate. Their use in the improvement of a pond or pool on the territory country house or garden plot will help decorate the landscape.

Adaptation of plants to the aquatic environment

In any pond, river or other body of water, there are always many different plants that grow and reproduce perfectly in their natural environment. They are characterized by leaves with a large surface, sometimes dissected. The root system is usually weak and is designed to be fixed on the bottom soil, some species do without roots. The stems have cavities and a system of intercellular spaces, which helps to consume oxygen when immersed in water, this also keeps them afloat.

Hydrophytes are divided into several species, each of which has its own habitat and performs a specific function in a given biozone. They are also characterized by such a method of reproduction, in which the seeds spread under water: when they fall to the bottom, they begin to germinate.

Species of aquatic plants differ from the zone of their location:

• coastal, which are located along the coast, exposing part of the stems and leaves above the surface: horsetail, arrowhead, cattail, reeds, reeds;
• near-water: irises, pondeteria, susak, marigolds, etc.;
• aquatic, in which all life passes at the depth of the reservoir: water moss, hornwort, hara, nitella;
• floating on the surface or in the water column: pistia, moss-fontinalis, water ranunculus, duckweed, vodokras, marsh flower, water chestnut;
• deep or submerged, which take root in the ground, and above the surface there are flowers: a capsule, a water lily, an orontium, a lotus;
• oxygen generators - plants immersed in water and actively releasing oxygen necessary to ensure the vital activity of all the inhabitants of the reservoir: water star, hornwort, marsh turkey, spiked urt.

Plants of natural water bodies

All natural reservoirs are surrounded by thickets of coastal vegetation, which grows in a strip along the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds. An exception can only be the leeward side, which is devoid of large plantings.

Various types and forms of aquatic plants are grouped or arranged in bands depending on the direction of the current or depth. Along the coast, as a rule, there are dense thickets of reeds or reeds with hard leaves. Fish prefer to live among plants with softer stems and leaves.

The species composition of underwater plants in natural water bodies can change quite significantly over time, since some of them deplete the soil, release harmful substances into the bottom, and then die. They are also influenced by climate or weather changes, anthropogenic impact, environmental pollution.

coastal

Plants growing along the perimeter of the reservoir define the border with the shore. These include:

1. Aquatic arrowhead plant (sagittaria or common bog) - widely used for landscaping ponds, its root is represented by cord-like processes with rounded tubers, immersed in water, the stem has a porous tissue filled with air bubbles, its length is 0.2-1.1 m. part has a petiole, the leaves are triangular in shape, similar to an arrowhead up to 30 cm long. In mid-June, the sagittaria blooms and blooms until the end of summer with white flowers with a spherical middle, there may be red or cherry spots inside the petal. In total, there are about 40 species of bog, including ornamental varieties. Many of them are used for decoration and design of man-made reservoirs, and goes well with other aquatic plants.
2. Reed or ocheret is a herbaceous plant from the Cereal family, which is found in the middle lane in all water bodies with a depth of up to 1.5 m, has hard stems that scare away fish, has long rhizomes, from which long hollow stems grow up to 5 m tall. The reed inflorescence is a purple-silvery panicle. Used in oriental medicine.
3. Skyrpus or reeds - a perennial plant of the reservoir, growing up to 3.5 m tall, has a strong cylindrical stem and a paniculate / capitate inflorescence, prefers swampy places. Many people confuse it with cane.
4. Cattail, which is often confused with reeds, has a hard stem with long leaves, at the end of which is a beautiful brown velvet cob with seeds. It grows in water bodies up to 1.5 m deep.

Near water

Submerged or semi-aquatic plants are common in the wild and are available for cultivation in artificial ponds.

Examples of aquatic plants growing in or near shallow water:

• Marsh iris - distinguished by bright yellow flowers with a brown pattern, prefers sunlit areas and fertile soil, stem height up to 1.5 m, suitable for reservoirs, planted at a depth of 40 cm.
• Iris smooth - blooms from June to October in blue or purple flowers, up to 1 m high, goes well with other aquatic plants.

• Marigold (Caltha) (marsh, thin-cup, fistulate, etc.) is a winter-hardy unpretentious plant (poisonous!), Prefers sunny places, tolerates flooding up to 20 cm, has golden, white-yellow flowers, planting depth depends on the variety (20-120 cm).
• Pondeteria - decorated with blue or purple flowers, loves the sun and nutritious soil, a capricious and non-winter-resistant plant (transferred indoors for the winter), planting depth is about 8 cm.
• Susak (Butomus) - an unpretentious plant, blooms with small pink-raspberry flowers, grows very quickly, planting depth is 10 cm.
• Highlander amphibian (Persicaria) - blooms all summer with bright pink small flowers arranged in a cone, when planted they are buried up to 0.5 m, it is better to plant in containers, winter-hardy and unpretentious.

oxygen generators

One of the most important types of underwater plants that supply the entire body of water with additional oxygen. Many of them are also used as fish food. Their advantage is also the improvement of sanitary conditions and biological treatment water.

Names of aquatic plants-oxygenerators:

• Common bogweed (Callitriche), which is also called the water star.
• Urut (Myriophyllum) belongs to the perennials of the Slanoberry family, has shoots rising above the water, a creeping rhizome. Long stems (up to 1.5 m) are covered with thin leaves and form an elegant lace of thickets under water, for which it is called the "pinnate". It is grown as a coastal plant, propagated vegetatively, its parts can be planted directly into the ground to a depth of 1.2 m in the spring and summer. It looks great in small ponds, where it forms beautiful patterns under water.

• Turcha (Hottoni) - is a relative of primroses, has about 100 species in the Primrose family. The second name - "water pen" is given for a rosette consisting of dissected pinnate leaves floating in the water. In the summer months, flower stalks appear, which rise 15-30 cm above the water and are decorated with flowers, dies off in autumn and winters at the bottom in buds.

• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum) is dark green, has a long stem, branching at the top. Leaves dissected into segments, grows at a depth of up to 9 m, has a unique aquatic pollination, thanks to which it has spread widely in the water bodies of Russia and other European countries. Instead of roots, it has stems that hold the plant on the ground in the silt. In autumn, the upper part dies off, and shoots with buds hibernate at the bottom of the reservoir.
• Elodea - belongs to the perennials of the Vodokrasov family, lives completely under water, shoots branch up to 1 m long, has small leaves located along the entire stem. It blooms very rarely with small white flowers with red sepals.

floating plants

Such plants can be successfully used to decorate an artificial pond. They do not require care at all, only it is necessary to carefully monitor the growth rate so that the pond is not completely overgrown with them. The difference between these aquatic plants: the roots are not fixed and therefore float freely, and the leaves and flowers are located on the surface.

The most popular floating:

• Duckweed covers the entire surface of the reservoir with a green carpet, represents small plants consisting of stems fastened in several pieces (leaves). It blooms only in artificial reservoirs, propagates vegetatively when young fronds separate from the mother ones, hibernates at the bottom.
• Vodokras (Hydrocharis) is a perennial plant with small rounded leaves, at the base in the form of a heart, from which fleshy roots hang down. The flowers are small, white, located 3-5 cm above the surface of the water above the leaves.

• Azolla (Caroline or fern) came to Europe from the tropical reservoirs of America, resembles openwork moss, grows very quickly, which is why it has to be taken out of the pond with a net, by autumn the leaves become reddish in color.
• Eichhornia (Eichhornia), which has the name "Water hyacinth", is a floating heat-loving plant with dark green leaves, at the end of summer it blooms with lilac-blue or yellow flowers, similar to orchids. In autumn, it must be transferred indoors to the aquarium, placing it in an annular float, where the plant successfully winters. According to scientists, it has a fantastic ability to process organic pollutants (that is, it loves dirty water bodies).

• Water chestnut (Chilim) - an annual, has original fruits, decorated with horns (for which it received the names "damn" and "rogulnik"), with which it clings to the bottom. Floats thanks to the leaves having swellings with an air-bearing layer. It reproduces by self-pollination, but only in regions with a warm climate: in the second half of summer, white flowers appear, protruding above the water, by autumn, hard drupes of 1-15 pieces ripen. on each plant, which gradually sink to the bottom.

deep sea

These aquatic plants have rhizomes buried in the bottom of the reservoir, and stems, leaves and flowers are located above its surface. Their main food is organic matter in bottom soil. Leaf plates are usually large. This creates a shade and prevents the water from heating up, which helps to prevent the active reproduction of small algae. The main advantage of deep-sea species is beautiful flowering.

Some types of deep sea plants:

• Orontium or "Golden Club" (Orontium) - a perennial with green-blue leaves, silvery below, blooms in April-May with cob inflorescences sticking out of the water (12-15 cm long), consisting of small yellow flowers, similar to white-yellow pencils.
• Capsule (Nuphar) is a perennial, widely used for landscaping large ponds with shading. Its roots are fixed in the bottom soil, and leaves and yellow flowers float on the surface, located on thick peduncles.

Water lily and lotus

These 2 types of deep-water plants are among the most spectacular and spectacular, having bright beautiful flowers, large leaves. When planting them in a home pond, they will be a wonderful decoration.

The water lily flower (Nymphaea) is named after water nymphs in various European mythologies. It has 35 species and is divided into 2 groups: tropical and winter-hardy. The latter are suitable for cultivation in open water bodies of central and northern Russia, preferring sunny places with stagnant water. The required area for each plant is 0.5-4 square meters. m.

The most common winter-hardy varieties of water lilies:

• The white water lily, which is often found in natural reservoirs, has powerful roots up to 5 cm thick, petioles and peduncles are located on the surface, which begin flowering in May and continue until frost. The leaves are round and wide up to 25 cm, the flowers are snow-white, each lasts 4 days, after which the fruit is tied under water. After ripening, the seeds from the boxes spill out and gradually sink to the bottom, where they then germinate.

• The fragrant water lily flower is white, emitting a pleasant aroma, the leaves are bright green in color, reddening in the lower part with time. Some cultivars produce yellow (spotted Sulphurea), pink or cream flowers.
• Water lily (nymphea) hybrid - become an adornment of any reservoir, thanks to beautiful flowers and heart-shaped bright leaves (some with spots or red tints).

Lotus (Nelumbo) - a perennial aquatic plant, the leaves of which are located both under water and on the surface, funnel-shaped and large, up to 70 cm in diameter. The lotus is decorated with large fragrant flowers (up to 30 cm) with pink-white petals, brightly placed in the center - yellow stamens. The fruits are dark brown in color with 30 seeds, the germination of which lasts for tens and hundreds of years. In the East, this plant is worshiped and told by ancient legends and traditions. In Europe, it has been grown in greenhouses and artificial ponds since the 18th century.

Creating a reservoir: rules

The use of aquatic plants to decorate an artificial reservoir in a garden plot or on the territory of a country house will allow you to create a unique natural landscape and make it possible to admire beautiful leaves and flowers throughout the warm season.

Regardless of the size of such a reservoir, it is necessary to select several types of plants at once with different flowering periods, sizes and shapes of leaves, also taking into account their height and planting depth. The main rule is to maintain biobalance in an artificial pond, in which for the successful coexistence of all plants, fish and microorganisms, it is necessary to make sure that the vegetation covers the water surface by half or more.

The center of the reservoir is given to beautifully flowering plants - water lilies, the variety of which is selected based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pond. Coastal species (arrowhead, calamus, susak) are planted along the edge, forget-me-nots or marshmallows are planted in shallow water, moisture-loving plants (sedges, irises, daylilies) with a strong root system can be placed on the ground along the edge, which will help save the coast from erosion.

Free-floating species (duckweed, teloris, vodokras) under favorable conditions multiply very quickly and can occupy the entire surface, so they must be periodically removed with a net.

Planting aquatic plants in the pond

Landscaping of an artificial reservoir can be done in 2 ways:

• planting plants in the ground in recesses made along the perimeter of the pond, which is more suitable for steep banks;
• in special containers that are placed on stands or ledges, this method allows you to move them if necessary.

The planting depth depends on the species: for water lilies it is up to 1.5 m, for coastal or marsh ones - 5-20 cm. Optimal planting time: from April to July. Oxygenerators are usually planted first, when water is heated, water lilies are planted, then floating ones, and lastly, they populate the coastal zone.

If desired, fish can be released into the pond, but only after 4-6 weeks, when all the plants take root and the water settles.

Basic rules for planting aquatic plants and arranging a pond:

• place away from deciduous trees so that the falling parts do not clog the reservoir;
• ideal is sunlight in the morning and in the afternoon, and at noon the plants will be comfortable in a small shade;
• fast-growing species should be thinned periodically so that they do not obscure other plants and the surface of the reservoir.

With the right selection of species and varieties of hydrophytes, their growth zones and flowering periods, you can reduce the effort to care for an artificial reservoir. Bright greenery and plants blooming throughout the warm season will decorate the entire surrounding landscape.

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