Koi will eat pond plants, especially tender or soft-leaved varieties. Koi are naturally curious and have a habit of nibbling on vegetation as part of their foraging behavior. While they may not always consume an entire plant, they often tear at leaves or uproot them while searching for food. This can be frustrating for pond owners trying to maintain a healthy plant population.
Some plants, such as water lilies and lotus, are more resilient and better able to withstand koi activity if properly anchored. Submerged oxygenators like hornwort or anacharis are also popular choices, though they may still be subject to occasional grazing. To protect plants, you can use planting baskets or mesh enclosures to keep roots secure and reduce direct access by the fish. Floating plants like water lettuce or water hyacinth can offer benefits without being as easily damaged.
