It may seem that floating water plants are very difficult to handle. In fact, they are very easy to grow, as they need no planting. They are pleasant additions for ponds in the garden or the yard, and they are good shelter not only for insects, but also for fish and amphibians. That is why they are especially delightful for kids who enjoy not only their look but also the fact that they invite living creatures to ponds and create entertainment and the basis for acquaintance with more species. This is how floating plant actually help the wild habitat by attracting more species and the environment looks full of life.
Adults appreciate the delight that water plants bring to kids, and they should also be aware that because water plants provide shade for the water in the pond, they reduce the amount of sunlight, and as a result that leads to less green water inside the pond.
After the water plants are bought, they can be put in the pond, as soon as possible, to prevent their drying out. Throwing the water plants inside is enough, and because their roots are heavier than the foliage, they will always land in the pond with the right side up. When immediate planting is not possible, they can remain in the plastic containers they are sold in. The water inside the plastic container should be refilled from the tap, and the container should be left in a light place.
The benefit of keeping water plants is that the maintenance and care needed is minimal. They benefit from fertilisers, but if there is fish inside the pond, it is important to choose fish friendly fertilisers.
When choosing water plants, it is also necessary to decide if frost hardy or less frost hardy types are better to suit the preferences of the family. Water soldiers, for example, are water plants which feature frost hardiness. That is why they thrive in the pond throughout the year. In the winter they become less buoyant and sink down, to seek protection from freezing temperatures. When the warm weather sets in, they reappear on the surface. There are also water hyacinths, an example of water plants that are not frost hardy, and they are not likely to survive freezing winter seasons. To help non frost hardy water plants survive, they can be taken out of the pond and stored in a tray or a dish filled with pond water. They can remain there throughout the cold season, and they are ready to be replanted again in the spring, in May. If the owners of the pond forget to take out such water plants and they die from the frost, the dead plants should be taken out and thrown away.
People can decide which type of water plants, water soldiers or water hyacinths, is more appealing for them. Water soldiers have long thin leaves, similar to pineapple tops. Water hyacinths have rounded green leaves and bulbous stems which are air filled and thus able to float easily. Naturally, people can have both types of water plants to enjoy variety in their ponds.
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