sera guide - My pond

20 Water plants are likely to be the most impor- tant part of a pond. Besides their beautiful appearance, they serve as a wastewater treatment system in the pond by consuming pollutants such as ammonium, ammonia, nitrate and phosphate. These substances can thus not harm the fish. Plants and un- sightly algae are direct nutrient competitors, especially when competing for nitrate and phosphate. Healthy plants always are the winners, algae have no chance. Supplying the plants with nutrients and trace elements not present in the water is essential for healthy plant growth. The plants need to be fertilized regularly. Add sera pond florena concentrate directly to the pond water or place sera pond florenette Tabs at the plant roots (particularly suitable for new plants) to do so. The best planting time You can plant your pond from spring to the beginning of autumn. Due to the higher wa- ter temperature the plants will quickly grow on during this time. Submerged plants, floating leaf plants and plants with leaves above the water surface should be equally present in your pond. A general rule is: Sub- merged plants should make up a third of the total amount of the aquatic plant stock. Es- Plants in a pond pecially direct nutrient competitors for al- gae, such as reed mace or waterweed, should not be missing in any pond. Submerged and, in particular, floating leaf plants are best put in plant baskets. First spread a planting mat in the baskets, fill them with coarse sand or gravel (never top- soil!) and fold the mat back to the inside. Dwarf reed mace (Typha minima) Growth height: approx. 10 – 25 cm (4 – 10 in.) Flowering time: July – August A winter-green perennial. Needs to be cut back strongly in spring. Goes along well with swamp loosestrife and iris. Iris (Iris sp.) Growth height: approx. 60 – 80 cm (2 – 2.6 ft.) Flowering time: May – July This plant is under nature protection in the wild. Umbrella grass (Cyperus alternifolius) Growth height: approx. 80 cm (2.6 ft.) Flowering time: July – August Suitable for acidic soil. Plant in loose groups or as a solitary plant. Do not cut back. Goes along well with reed mace. Bank plants

sera guide - My pond

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