Page 374 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

372 POND PLANT DIRECTORY

FLOATING PLANTS

These plants are not renowned for their flowers,
but they give the pond a more natural feel and are
important for the well-being of the fish. They
spread to form a dense mass, protecting the fish
from predators, especially birds, and also from
sunburn, in addition to curbing algal growth.
Furthermore, they provide spawning sites and food
for some species of fish. Floating plants are easy to
establish—simply let them drift on the surface until
they find a suitable position—and they develop much
faster in a new pond than other types of plants,
such as marginals and water lilies. Some popular Water Chestnut
(Trapa natans) now
varieties originate from warm climates and are occurs far beyond its
native habitat and may
not hardy in temperate areas. They should be create environmental
problems in these
brought inside to protect them from winter frosts. new localities.

Azolla cristata Trapa natans Eichhornia crassipes
Carolina Fairy Moss Water Chestnut Common Water Hyacinth

ORIGINS Occurs naturally from the US to South America, ORIGINS A native European species, it is now naturalized ORIGINS South America, but now naturalized in many
but now naturalized in parts of Europe. in parts of the US and Australia. other areas, including Africa. Banned in some places.
SIZE Leaves each measure about ⁄2 in (1.5 cm) long. SIZE Rosettes can reach up to 30 in (75 cm) in diameter. SIZE Leaves 4 in (10 cm) long; flower spikes 6 in (15 cm).
1
WATER This plant needs clear water in order to thrive. WATER Prefers still or slow-moving water. Min. temp. WATER Prefers calm water, so keep away from fountains.
Hardy to 0°F (–18°C). 32°F (0°C). This annual plant dies off before winter. Hardy to 32°F (0°C).
PROPAGATION Reproduces asexually, so simply divide up PROPAGATION Grown easily from its chestnutlike seeds, PROPAGATION Split small plantlets off the sides of
a clump, preferably in spring. which can be set in pots of aquatic soil. existing clumps.
This floating green fern spreads rapidly over the This plant gets its name from its mauve blooms,
pond’s surface, so its growth may have to be kept which resemble hyacinth flowers. Air trapped in the
in check. Fairy Moss becomes more reddish during leaf bases provides buoyancy and enables the plants to
summer. It dies back in fall and sinks to the float. Hidden beneath the surface are long, trailing
bottom but resurfaces again in spring. In temperate roots that provide spawning sites for goldfish and
areas, overwinter some of the fern indoors in an protection for fry. Common Water Hyacinth spreads
aquarium, or in a plastic container of water on rapidly in warm climates and should never be
a windowsill; otherwise, the entire stock may released into natural waterways, where it can cause
be destroyed by very cold weather. serious environmental and economic damage.

This annual plant has serrated edges on its green,
purple-centered leaves, which grow in the form
of a rosette. The inconspicuous white flowers are
followed by large black fruits, which can be left
to overwinter in the pond. Otherwise, store them
indoors in damp sphagnum moss. They must not
dry out if they are to germinate in the spring.

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