Floating And Marginal Plants Need Care Like Land Specimens

Floating and marginal plants are so attractive in a decorative pond. They create a variety of color tones for your enjoyment as well as a nice environment for Koi or any other fish. Both of these plant specimens need care similar to land plants. In this article I want to touch base on the basics of planting and dividing both of these specimens. With a little attention given to each of these plant family, you can maintain and eye - catching landscape in and around your pond.

A Marginal plant is a specie that is planted in usually a one to three gallon container. These plants are only planted in depth about two to three inches. The purpose of these plants is to be near the edge of the water. Their roots are planted shallow so their foliage can be seen above the water. Looking ahead to the maturity of the marginal plant, make sure you get a large enough pot. Make sure you know the maturity of each marginal plant. Some plants like four leaf clover will only mature four to six inches, so it can be planted in a smaller container.

A floating plant is one that requires no planting. The great aspect about this plant family is that you simply put them on the water and they will grow. There is a drawback if you live in a cooler climate where a frost develops. The plants like warmer temperatures and won't do real well in colder climates. There are heating units for ponds available today.

Properly installing your pond and developing your landscape is very important before planting any specimens. In the ponds and water garden page, get some tips before you plant any floating and marginal plants.

Once your water plants have been established for a year or two, it will be time to divide them so their root systems don't get too massive. There are basically two types of root systems. A bulb appearance is one and the other is a spreading hairy look. The bulb root system can be place at the edge of a container and the more flowing system will need to be put in the middle of the container. When you are ready to divide your roots, take a knife and separate the main root from the baby root. Make sure you keep in tact the entire plant including the foliage. This is an advantage to your investment of floating and marginal plants as once they are established, you can divide them. Floating and marginal plants as well as other aquatic specimens are fast growers. Properly planting them as well as dividing them will ensure you healthy specimens and stunning accents to your decorative pond. Below are four pictures of aquatic plants in a decorative pond.

Aquatic Delight

Marginal Plants

Koi Love Their Plants

Marginal Plants By Rocks

Here are a few examples of some floating plants.

• Water Cress
• Penny Wort
• Duck Weed
• Water Hyacinth
• Common Slavinia - this is popular in Mexico and South America.

Here are some examples of marginal plants.

• Iris
• Cannas
• Variegated Rush or Mediterranean Rush
• Elephant Ears
• Dwarf Horsetail
• Spider Lily
• Creeping Jenny
• Common Cattail

Any of these plant specimens will add so much to your pond or even bog area. Creating a pond or some type of water feature is a wonderful addition to your landscape.