The five low-maintenance water plants are: Arrowhead, Dwarf Papyrus, Watercress, Water Lettuce and Water Lily.
Having low-maintenance water plants in your pond makes taking care of it absolutely hassle-free. These plants not only enhance water quality but also add to the overall aesthetics and balance of the ecosystem. With minimal effort, you can enjoy your water garden. 🙂
Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
It has characteristic arrow-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers. This low-maintenance water plant thrives in shallow pond edges, making it easy to care for. Through its good rooting system it stabilises the soil, thus it play a big role in preventing erosion.
Additionally, like other plants listed below, it provides a nice habitat for aquatic insects, contributing to the overall biodiversity of your pond.
Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus nana)
is recognized for its upright foliage and star-like seed heads. Originally found along the Nile, it’s now a popular choice for an easy to keep pond plant. To grow it successfully, choose a sunny spot with shallow water and good circulation. A convenient option is to grow Dwarf Papyrus in pots, using indoor plant pots filled with soil and sand (to let water pass through easier). It’s good to make holes in those pots to allow water sipping through.It can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
WATERCRESS (Nasturtium officinale)
Watercress cultivation is really straightforward, making it a great choice for (lazy 🙂 ) “pond gardeners”. This aquatic plant thrives along pond edges or in containers submerged in water.
It can be propagated easily through cuttings or seeds. Once established, watercress is a low-maintenance perennial (growing for years).
It grows really fast, so keep an eye on it, otherwise it can take over your pond pretty quickly.
Watercress, similarly like water lily can be edible! You can find more edible aquatic plants in this article.
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
is a pretty floating plant with velvety, light-green leaves. Similarly to papyrus, it grows in Nile river. It’s really, really easy to keep – simply place it on the water’s surface, and it will thrive. But be careful! Because it grows so easily, it can take over your pond, so keep an eye on it and prune when needed!
Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.)
is a classic beauty renowned for its floating flowers and round leaves.
With their versatility, water lilies easily adapt to different water depths and temperatures, making them low maintenance plants. Simply place them in your pond, and they’ll grow.
Besides their aesthetic appeal, water lilies serve practical purposes as well. They provide shade for fish, creating a comfortable habitat for them, and help control algae growth by competing for nutrients.
These five low-maintenance water plants offer both beauty and practicality for your pond. From the elegant Water Lily and Arrowhead to the versatile Lebanese Cress and Water Lettuce, and the charming Dwarf Papyrus, each of these easy to grow plant will make your pond look great.
