Submerged plants grow underneath your water’s surface. These pond plants are fast growers that provide excellent cover for fish and other aquatic creatures. Here are several great options to consider when choosing between submerged plants.
Hornwort
This plant has been a crowd favorite for years among pond owners on accounts of its oxygenating properties and hardiness. Even aquatic life, like fish fry and tadpoles, love this plant. Hornwort is so easy to grow that even first-time pond owners will have no trouble making it thrive. All you need to do is throw a few strands into your natural pond. This plant doesn’t even need a pot since hornwort floats freely across the water.
Worried about frost? Hornwort is surprisingly tolerant of harsh weather conditions and can even return after nearly dying off entirely in cold winter months.
Waterweed
Another popular submerged plant option is waterweed. As its name suggests, this plant grows quickly and can overtake your backyard pond without proper management. Removing excess stems is an easy way to keep this plant under control. Keep in mind that fish find this type of aquatic plant particularly tasty, so it can also serve as a supplemental food source!
Eelgrass
Reminiscent of seagrass, this aquatic plant is just as popular in fish tanks as it is in ponds. Unlike hornwort and waterweed, eelgrass isn’t a free-floating plant. You can plant a few eelgrass strands in pots at the bottom of your pond to help it grow.
Eelgrass comes in a variety of distinct species and sizes. If your pond is particularly deep, consider Vallisneria Americana. If you prefer short strands, Vallisneria spiralis is another great option that lessens the plant’s risk of overtaking your pond.
