Having plants in your koi pond can help keep the water cooler, provide shade and oxygenation, and help deter the growth of algae. But you’ll want to choose plants that aren’t poisonous to koi. There are also some plants that are more attractive to koi than others.

One plant that’s especially popular with koi is water lilies. These plants have deep water emergent roots that provide shade for the koi while keeping oxygen-hogging algae at bay. They also block sunlight, which helps limit algae growth. Water lilies are a good option for koi ponds in warm climates.

Another popular koi pond plant is water lettuce. This plant is a perennial evergreen that grows in colonies. Water lettuce has bulbous foliage that usually comes in bright green. It’s a good plant for koi ponds because it uses dissolved CO2 to help keep the water oxygenated.

Eelgrass is another submerged plant that’s popular with koi. It provides a natural underwater meadow that can be enjoyed by ducks and small waterfowl. Eelgrass can be three feet tall and has grass-like leaves. It’s also resilient and will survive if a large fish destroys it.

Coontail is another koi pond plant. It looks like a bottle brush and grows in dense colonies. The rhizome of the coontail is similar to cattails. However, koi don’t usually eat them. They have a celery-like taste and can spread quickly. You can remove the plant by pulling up the rhizomes.

Another plant that’s popular with koi is water hyacinth. Water hyacinths add oxygen to the water throughout the day. They also act as a natural filter that removes toxins from the water. They can be planted inside the pond or used in a container. They remove toxins better than chemical absorbents. They’re also easy to care for.

Bog plants are another popular option for koi ponds. Bog plants have a healthy root feeding process that’s great for aeration and filtration. They also prefer shallow waters. Bog plants include irises, cattails, and other bog plants. Bog plants should be planted at least six inches below the water’s surface. They’ll tolerate most climates. Bog plants also have the benefit of absorbing harmful nutrients in the water, such as nitrates. Bog plants are also good for ponds because they help keep the water cooler.

Plants also naturally control pond temperature and regulate the amount of sunlight reaching the pond. In addition, some plants, such as Cabomba Fanwort, help remove phosphates and nitrogen from the water. Plants also prevent the growth of string algae.

Some koi pond plants are easy to care for and others require a bit of maintenance. In addition to these plants, you can also consider adding floating plants to the pond. These plants will add to the beauty of your pond and add floating cover for your koi. If you’re unsure which plants to choose for your pond, you may want to consult a pond plant expert. They’ll be able to tell you which plants are best for your specific pond conditions.