There can’t be a koi pond without some water plants to make it look nicer and keep the fish healthy. For example, aquatic plants can clean the water naturally, add oxygen, keep algae away, keep the water temperature stable, and give the koi places to hide. If you are considering a koi pond, Aquatic Gardens is where you can go to buy pond plants.
Water lilies are popular options for koi pond owners. This floating water plant is hardy and can thrive in many parts of the country. The leaves of these plants can keep ice and snow on top of the pond, protecting the koi from changing temperatures. Fish called koi love to nibble on the roots of these water plants, so it’s best to buy more than one and mix them in with other water plants.
Hyacinth plants are another floating water garden plant. These do an excellent job of filtering water. Hyacinth often has blue or purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. As they grow, their root system forms a compact nest-like structure. Be careful not to allow the hyacinth to overgrow; it can quickly choke out other water plants.
Water lettuce is a free-floating aquatic plant that provides cover for koi. Koi do not bother to eat water lettuce; they can keep algae at bay in your pond. Each water lettuce can spread up to eighteen inches wide and six inches tall. This water plant features yellow or cream-colored flowers in mid-summer.
Coontail is an underwater plant that needs to be placed in pond-friendly soil. Their stems resemble a raccoon’s tail, hence the clever name. These aquatic plants, also known as hornworts, are helpful oxygenators providing koi cover. Coontail water plants are easy to find, inexpensive, and can survive in full sun or shade.
Nothing beats the elegance and beauty of the lotus. These floating aquatic plants are found in many Japanese koi ponds and need very little maintenance. For the lotus plants to do well, make sure that your koi pond gets full sun for at least five hours a day. These are best for larger koi ponds, but there are dwarf lotus varieties available too. Lotus water plants provide plentiful shade, and the koi do not eat their roots. You will have to wait a while because the lotus won’t bloom for the first time for about one or two years.
The water poppy can grow in all koi ponds, regardless of size. This water plant thrives when it is submerged about six inches deep. They’re great at filtering water and making the edges of your koi pond smoother, which makes the whole thing look better. Its contrasting dark green foliage and yellow flowers make it stand out nicely. Each water poppy flower lasts for about a day, but they will keep blooming all summer long.
Umbrella plants are perennial aquatic plants that add an exotic element to koi ponds. They do well in full sun or partial shade and multiply quickly due to their self-seeding process. These water plants can grow between three and six feet tall and up to three feet wide. To keep your umbrella plants healthy for the next season, plant them in shallow water and cut back the dead stems in the fall. They do not tolerate frost very well, so you may need to bring them inside during the winter.
Water iris are lovely water plants that come in various colors. They are good at filtering water and will not get eaten by your koi fish. These will thrive in full sun or shade and must be planted in moist soil. Water iris bloom from late spring to early summer and can grow up to five feet tall. Be mindful of this aquatic plant because it can quickly overtake a koi pond. Check for their seed.
pods after blooming and remove them to prevent the water iris colony from increasing too much.
Horsetail is a hardy aquatic plant that is good at filtering water. They have slender stalks that can grow up to two feet tall. These provide a lot of shade for koi, and your fish won’t eat them. If you want to change the way your pond looks, horsetails are easy to take out. This makes them a good choice for any koi pond.
Choosing the right plants for your koi pond can make it look stunning while keeping the water clean and your fish happy and healthy. But with so many options, it can be tricky to pick the best varieties for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the 16 best plants to grow in koi ponds of all sizes and climates We’ll cover hardy water lilies, delicate lotuses, oxygenating elodea, and more
Whether you want hardy plants that survive winter freezes or tropical beauties with enticing blooms, you’ll find great choices for your backyard koi paradise.
Why Plants Matter in a Koi Pond
Before jumping into the plant picks, let’s look at why ponds need plants in the first place:
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Filtration – Aquatic plants absorb and break down pollutants, excess nutrients from fish waste that can fuel algae blooms, and other contaminants.
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Oxygenation – Submerged plants release oxygen into the water through photosynthesis. This is especially important in summer when warmer water holds less oxygen.
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Algae control – By limiting light and competing for nutrients, plants restrict algae growth. Floating varieties like water lilies work best for this.
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Shade and shelter – Plants along the edges and water surface provide shade and hiding spots for koi. Hardy marginals stay green all winter, giving fish a place to shelter.
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Food source – Many pond plants are nibbled on by koi. Popular edible choices include duckweed, water hyacinth, and water lettuce.
Now let’s dive into the 16 best plants for koi ponds and their unique benefits.
1. Water Lily
Water lilies are pond classics, gracing ponds with their flowers and heart-shaped floating leaves. They come in a rainbow of colors like white, yellow, pink, orange, and red.
Hardy water lily varieties survive freezing winters while tropical types need special overwintering care. Their shade limits algae, and koi enjoy snacking on the underwater roots and laying eggs on the leaves.
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Water lily. Credit: Min An, Pexels
2. Lotus
Prized for their elegance, water lotuses have fragrant, bowl-shaped blooms up to 12 inches wide floating among their round leaves. They prefer full sun and warm water between 75-86°F.
For small ponds, seek out dwarf “micro lotus” varieties like chubby maiden or bowl lotus. Standard lotuses spread leaves up to 2 feet wide, better for large ponds.
Lotus flower. Credit: Sincerely Media, Unsplash
3. Floating Heart
As its name suggests, floating heart spreads little heart-shaped leaves across the water surface along with delicate white flowers. It grows fast, so thinning is needed to stop it taking over small ponds.
Floaters like this limit light and algae growth. Its long roots also uptake nutrients and provide shelter and spawning sites for koi.
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