Buy glossy pondweed? 4 x better oxygen plants for the pond

Glossy pondweed is the best oxygen plant there is, according to pond enthusiast Ada Hofman. But, I as an aquatic plant grower and also now a pond specialist for 35 years often recommend other types of oxygen plants.

Glossy pondweed, a good but not the best oxygen plant

Often people come to me for advice because the shiny pondweed they bought elsewhere has not made it into their pond. Yet they then want to buy it again but from me, hoping that with the right tips they can still keep the shiny pondweed alive. I must say that this is certainly possible but keeping shiny pondweed in the pond is very complex. Therefore, because this species is so fragile, I do not recommend it. In fact, there are dozens of other alternatives that are also very beautiful and hardy. 

Read on and I'll tell you all about it!

Glossy pondweed leaf

Glossy pondweed is a beautiful plant for the pond, but its leaves make it a fragile aquatic plant. This is because the leaves are light in color so they need a lot of sunlight to grow. When they do not get this, as is the case in the fall and winter months, they often do not make it. For this reason, I do not recommend this plant. But fortunately there are other alternatives that are easy to maintain. I of; 'van der Velde water plants' specialize in hardy water plants and everything that comes with it. Below I show you some good alternatives to glossy pondweed!

Better oxygen plant alternative for glossy pondweed

1# Coarse Hornwort: Like glossy pondweed, this aquatic plant is a floating oxygen plant but the difference is that this plant is very strong in nature and also grows quickly. Because the plant gives off oxygen it simultaneously keeps the water in your pond healthy. This plant can grow up to 10 centimeters per day which makes your pond beautifully green in no time.

2# Crabbear: This aquatic plant is again a floating aquatic plant. This aquatic plant is also called water soldier. This is because the crab bark extracts nitrates and phosphates and adds oxygen. This ensures that the water in the pond is filtered of algae and thus the water becomes clear. In addition, over time, white flowers grow at the tips of the sprites of crab shaving which also makes for a nice looking pond.

3# Waterweed: This plant grows from the bottom of the pond which makes the ends seem to float in the water, this gives a magical effect to the pond. Moreover, waterweed grows very fast and gives off a lot of oxygen to the pond water. This makes that your pond will always have enough oxygen.

4# Moss balls: These moss balls you throw into the pond water and will then sink to the bottom of the pond by themselves. Moss balls have a cleaning effect, that is, they will clean the bottom of the pond giving algae and silt formation little chance.

The top 2 aquatic plants: coarse hornwort and crabweed are floating oxygen plants just like glossy pondweed. But with the difference that these plants are hardy and require little to no care. These plants will survive and grow regardless, which is not the case with glossy pondweed.
The bottom 2 aquatic plants are plants located at the bottom of the pond. Also these plants are strong in nature which makes them very easy to care for. Furthermore, all species have a water purifying effect which makes them ideal for maintaining a healthy pond and survive year after year every season!

Oxygen plants in pond baskets

It is convenient to purchase oxygen plants in pond baskets because these baskets can be placed at the bottom of the pond where they can take root and continue to grow. Of course, there are strong and weaker species in these. Below I will list the 4 strongest types of aquatic plants for you:

1. Aarvin weed: This aquatic plant nests in the bottom of the pond and then grows up into the water. The aquatic plant is strong and can survive in any kind of pond water. Also, the plant gives off large amount of oxygen to the water which makes the plant keep the water quality healthy.
2. Needleweed: Also called water crassula, this aquatic plant is a hardy oxygen plant. It is a strong plant that grows quickly, by placing the aquatic plant in the basket on the bottom you prevent the plant from proliferating through the pond.
3. Lidsteng: Lidsteng is a hardy oxygen plant and can grow about 30 cm tall. This oxygen plant will keep your pond clear and balanced.
4. Needlegrass: Needlegrass or Coniferous Grass is an easy plant that does well in both sunny and shady locations. This plant is also called aquarium grass. Its glassy appearance gives it a playful effect in the pond or aquarium.

When you like more variety in your pond then you can also choose to use a mix of oxygen plants in your pond to place. This gives a more playful effect to your pond, these packages you have in small and in large numbers. Also, each plant has a different function, so a combination of plants can provide an ideal water environment!

Frequently asked questions about glossy pondweed