Aquatic Plants and Algae

Water plants and algae are essential parts of a pond ecosystem. Access Penn State Extension’s educational resources on aquatic plants and aquaculture, including variety selection, aquatic plant identification, pond ecology, and management. Advice and tips on topics such as pests and disease control, algae management, and invasive aquatic species are available as well.

Growing and Managing Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants play a vital role in the ecosystems of ponds, water gardens, lakes, and streams. Generally speaking, there are four main types of aquatic plants – submerged plants, emergent plants, floating plants, and algae – depending on their growing habits.

Algae is one of the most common occurrences in ponds, including planktonic and filamentous algae species. Unlike filamentous types, planktonic algae provide important benefits, including supporting the base of the food chain in the pond.

Discover how to identify and manage water plants in PA with the help of Penn State Extension’s comprehensive field guide, as well as the management of aquatic plants publication.

Managing Invasive Aquatic Species

Pennsylvania ponds and water gardens can also host various invasive species, including plants, pathogens, and animals. As they often out-compete native plants, it is important to pay special attention and develop a proper plan of action.

Best management practices for water gardens include cleaning and inspecting everything prior to placing it in the water, ensuring balanced nutrition, and avoiding snails. Learn more about pond maintenance and pesticide safety during the professional pest management school. Additionally, access Penn State Extension’s presentation on water gardening and aquatic invasive species.

Pond Algae and Water Plants Control

Abundant plant and algae growth is a serious issue that can cause eutrophication and water ecosystems impairment. Nearby fertilizer applications, septic systems, wildlife, and animal manure can all add significant amounts of nutrients, resulting in excessive plant growth.

When plants start growing abundantly – or nuisance aquatic plants appear in the pond – common management practices include physically harvesting aquatic plants and utilizing biological methods such as stocking grass carp fish and using barley straw for filamentous algae.

Note: While applying aquatic herbicides can provide rapid control, misusing them can cause severe environmental damage. You should use them only after considering physical and biologial control alternatives, and a specific permit is required.

Getting Started With Ponds and Water Gardens

Ponds and water gardens are ideal for wildlife and can be the perfect addition to your garden or farm. The foundation of a successful pond or water garden is excellent planning. Some of the most important factors to consider are pond size, location, and type of aquatic plant.

Choosing the right location is critical for ensuring adequate maintenance and managing aquatic algae growth. The desired size of the pond typically depends on the landscape and what you want to grow in it. Before getting started, consider any plant or fish size requirements, as well. Tips on Pennsylvania-native plants can be found in the Mid-Atlantic pocket guide to water garden species. A how-to video on the process of cleaning aquatic plants before adding them to a water feature is available.

Keep in mind that in a pond, having 20% - 30% plant coverage is considered ideal for promoting habitat and maintaining an ecological balance between plants and aquatic life. Slightly higher vegetation may be advised to pond owners interested in wildlife viewing or fishing.

Access Penn State Extension resources for further information on creating and maintaining ponds and water gardens, managing pests and diseases, and securing pond permits in PA.