Floating
Water Plants
On the surface and in the water

FLOATING PLANTS

These plants require no planting. These plants float at the surface of the water, with their roots hanging free to absorb nutrients and provide shade and cover for fish. Floating plants desire tropical temperatures and cannot tolerate a frost.

OXYGENATING PLANTS

Underwater oxygenating plants may be added to aid in maintaining clean and pure water. These plants aid in the prevention of algae growth through absorption of nutrients and carbon dioxide through their leaves. They complete with single-cell algae that cause green water. They also provide a place for fish to spawn and trap debris. Oxygenating plants can be allowed to float freely or be anchored in pots using gravel to hold them in place. The use of soil for planting is counterproductive, as it adds nutrients you are trying to remove with the plants. Do not fertilize for the same reason. A one gallon pot is recommended. Completely submerge these plants to a depth of at least 12."

FLOATING WATER PLANTS On and below the water surface T=Tropical H=Hardy to zone 5

Floating Plants Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia) T Floating water hyacinths have glossy waxed leaves set atop spongy leaf stalks. Flowers are on a single spike, usually blue to purple in color. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)T Commonly known as "shell flower", this floating plant has pale green, shell-shaped leaves. Ludwigia (Ludwigia sedioides)T Floating stems of willowy foliage topped with yellow flowers all summer. Needs to be potted. D-1-3"

Oxygenating Plants Anacharis (Egeria densa) H Anacharis has narrow, dark green curled leaflets attached to long, branching stems. Cabomba (Cabomba pulcheri) H The foliage consists of dark green bristles carried along thin stems and produces small white flowers with yellow centers. Myriophyllum (spp.) H Hair-like foliage traps debris. Good for fish spawning. Many of the plant descriptions are from the 1998 Water Garden Plant Manual, Florida Aquatics Nursery. Numerous water gardening books are available with additional plant listings.