Floating Pond Plants for a Goldfish Pond
Floating pond plants also provide protection from predators. They uses up excess nitrate in the water that allow algae blooms to grow and eliminate chemical pollutants that might be present in the goldfish pond water. All of these benefits aide in the well being of the goldfish pond residents by eliminating stress that can cause a goldfish to become sick.
Readily Available Pond Plants
By no means is this a complete list; these are floating plants that many pond keepers have had success with in a goldfish pond. Always Know if the aquatic plants you purchase are legal in your region and never dispose of these in to local water ways. Even if you think they are dead, they can bounce back.
- Water Hyacinths
- Water Lettuce
- Frogbit
- Parrot Feather
- Sensitive Plant
- Azolla
- Duckweed
A water lotus plant is a nice flowering plant that can be planted in a basket and placed on the bottom of your pond (6”- 12” beneath the surface). It will then grow up and of the pond. the leaves will float on the surface and eventually some colorful flowers will bloom.
Avoid Goldfish Predators
By adding pond plants you can help keep predators out.
Avoid placing new floating plants that have been out of the water for an extended time into direct sunlight the first few days. The leaves and shoots will be dehydrated and the sun will burn the leaves and turn them brown. Keep these new plants in a separate container full of pond water that is placed in the shade or place them in an enclosed spot in the shade of the goldfish pond. Many goldfish pond keepers will create a pond fence that keeps their floating aquatic plants form spreading to where they don’t want them. A hula hoop is an inexpensive way to control the spread of a floating pond plant. This keeps any floating plants form being sucked up into the pond skimmer, damaging the plants and clogging the intake of the pond skimmer.
Photo: Randy Heinitz
Reviewed By: Tim Winter
Tim Winter has a strong affection for pets and wildlife. His years of experience caring for various types of pets has led him to share his knowledge with others on the best practices in pet care. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications.