How to Grow Aquatic Plants

Growing aquatic plants is relatively straightforward and can be done in gardens or in pots on a terrace. In gardens, these plants are typically used in ornamental ponds or along the edges of watercourses or natural ponds. On a terrace, you'll need a large container with a diameter of at least 60 cm that can hold a substantial amount of water. The container must be watertight and made of durable material.

Where to Grow Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are defined by botany as species that float on bodies of water, not requiring soil but needing basins at least 60 cm deep. These plants are often visually striking and produce brightly coloured flowers. The most well-known aquatic plants include Lotus Flowers and Water Lilies.

Lotus Flowers (Nelumbo): There are many hybrids available, offering a wide range of colours from white to orange and various shades of red. Popular varieties include Nelumbo lutea, which blooms in late spring with large white or yellow petals, and Nelumbo nucifera, known for its purplish pink petals.
Water Lilies (Nymphaea): Known for their large leaves and distinctive flowers, water lilies come in many varieties, with colours ranging from pink to red, purple to yellow, and orange.
Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos): This lesser-known aquatic plant produces long stems with fragrant white flowers from June to November.

Differentiating Aquatic Plants from Marshy and Oxygenating Plants

The term "aquatic plants" is broad, and botanists categorize these plants based on their growing conditions:

Marshy Plants: These plants need soil but thrive in marshy conditions with 10 to 30 cm of water, making them suitable for the edges of ornamental ponds. Examples include:

Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush): Produces clusters of fragrant white and pink flowers in summer.
Anemopsis californica: Blooms during the same period.
Caltha palustris: Blooms from April to June with bright yellow flowers.

Oxygenating Plants: These plants need soil and deeper water (30 to 50 cm). They are valued for their ability to prevent algae growth and improve water oxygenation, benefiting pond animals. Examples include:

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit): Produces small yellow and white flowers in late summer.
Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce): Known for its floating leaf tufts.
Salvinia natans (Fish Grass): Notable for its uniquely patterned leaves.

Caring for Aquatic Plants:
Different families of aquatic plants have varying characteristics and needs. Some grow in perforated pots placed at different depths, while others float freely on the water's surface without supports. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper care and growth.