You can have plants in a koi pond, and they can be very beneficial for both the water quality and the overall ecosystem. Aquatic plants help absorb excess nutrients like nitrates, which can reduce algae growth and improve water clarity. They also provide shade, helping regulate water temperature and protect koi from direct sunlight
Plants such as water lilies, lotus, and submerged oxygenators like hornwort or anacharis are commonly used in koi ponds. However, koi are curious and often nibble at or uproot plants, so it's important to choose hardy species and secure them in planting baskets or behind barriers. Floating plants like water lettuce and water hyacinth can be especially useful because they’re easy to manage and offer natural cover for fish.
