Adding plants to a fountain transforms it into a vibrant, living water feature, enhancing its beauty and creating a more natural habitat. The key is to select appropriate aquatic plants and provide them with a stable planting medium.
Preparing Your Fountain for Planting
Before introducing any plants, ensure your fountain is ready.
- Clean the Fountain: Thoroughly clean the fountain basin to remove any existing debris, algae, or chemical residues. Use a non-toxic cleaner or simply warm water and a brush. Rinse well.
- Check for Leaks: Address any leaks to maintain consistent water levels.
- Consider Sunlight: Observe how much sunlight your fountain receives daily. This will be crucial for selecting plants that thrive in those conditions. Most aquatic plants prefer at least 4-6 hours of direct sun.
- Assess Depth and Size: The depth and size of your fountain basin will dictate the types and number of plants you can incorporate. Smaller, shallower fountains are best for dwarf varieties or floating plants.
Selecting the Perfect Aquatic Plants
Choosing the right plants is vital for a thriving fountain ecosystem. Look for aquatic or semi-aquatic species that can tolerate constant moisture and the specific conditions of your fountain.
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Types of Aquatic Plants:
- Submerged Plants: These grow entirely underwater (e.g., Anacharis, Hornwort). They help oxygenate the water and control algae.
- Floating Plants: These float freely on the surface (e.g., Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Duckweed). They provide shade, reduce algae, and add visual interest.
- Marginal Plants: These grow with their roots in water and foliage above the waterline (e.g., Dwarf Cattails, Irises, Taro). They add vertical interest and can be planted in pots submerged in the fountain.
- Bog Plants: Similar to marginals but prefer consistently moist soil rather than standing water (less common for traditional fountains unless there's a specific bog area).
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Factors to Consider:
- Sunlight Requirements: Match plants to your fountain's sun exposure (full sun, partial shade).
- Hardiness Zone: Choose plants suited to your local climate, especially if the fountain will remain outdoors year-round.
- Growth Habit: Consider how large the plant will grow to avoid overcrowding your fountain.
- Non-Invasive Species: Opt for non-invasive species, especially for floating plants, to prevent them from taking over.
- Compatibility with Fish (if any): Ensure plants are safe for any aquatic life you might introduce.
Here’s a quick guide to popular choices:
| Plant Type | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Floating | Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, Dwarf Water Lily | Surface coverage, shade, easy to manage |
| Marginal | Dwarf Cattail, Horsetail, Sweet Flag | Vertical interest, roots in water, foliage above |
| Submerged | Anacharis, Hornwort | Oxygenation, hidden, good for water clarity |
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Plants
Once you've chosen your plants and prepared your fountain, follow these steps to introduce them.
1. Prepare the Planting Medium
First, you need to provide a stable base for your plants.
- Select a Medium: Add a planting medium to the fountain, such as aquatic soil or gravel. This will provide a stable base for the plants and help to anchor them in place. Aquatic soil is specifically designed for submerged use, while gravel can be used for marginal plants in pots or as a top dressing.
- Using Pots: For most marginal and submerged plants, planting them in specialized aquatic plant pots or regular plastic pots (with drainage holes) is recommended. This allows for easier maintenance, prevents soil from clouding the water, and makes winterization simpler. Line the pots with burlap or landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping.
- Direct Planting (for some types): If your fountain basin is large enough and you desire a more natural look, you might directly add a layer of aquatic soil to the bottom of the basin, topped with gravel to keep the soil down. This is typically for larger pond-style fountains.
2. Plant Your Aquatics
With the medium ready, it's time to plant.
- Gentle Planting: Gently plant the aquatic plants in the planting medium, making sure that the roots are well covered. Avoid compacting the soil too much, as roots need space to grow.
- Positioning: Place potted plants carefully into the fountain basin.
- Marginal plants should have their roots submerged, with the crown of the plant just above or at the water level. You might need to elevate pots with bricks or risers for shallower water plants.
- Submerged plants can be anchored in pots or weighted down with lead weights or gravel.
- Floating plants are simply placed on the water surface; they don't require planting medium.
- Arrangement: Arrange your plants thoughtfully, considering their mature size and shape. Create visual interest with varying heights and textures.
3. Fill with Water
- Slow Fill: Once all plants are in place, slowly fill the fountain with water to avoid disturbing the soil or plants. Use a hose with a gentle flow, or place a plate at the bottom to diffuse the water's impact.
- Water Treatment: If using tap water, consider using a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramines, which can be harmful to plants and any potential aquatic life.
Maintaining Your Planted Fountain
Proper care will keep your fountain plants healthy and your water clear.
- Water Quality:
- Top Up Water Regularly: Fountains lose water due to evaporation and splashing. Replenish with dechlorinated water as needed.
- Algae Control: Plants help with algae, but if it becomes an issue, gently scrub it off or use natural algae control methods like barley straw extracts. Avoid chemical algaecides unless specifically labeled safe for plants and aquatic life.
- Pruning and Care:
- Trim Dead Foliage: Remove any yellowing, decaying, or dead leaves and flowers regularly to keep the fountain clean and prevent water quality issues.
- Manage Growth: Some aquatic plants, especially floating varieties, can grow rapidly. Thin them out periodically to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate light for other plants.
- Fertilization: Aquatic plants generally don't require frequent fertilization, especially if there's aquatic soil. If plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, use aquatic plant fertilizer tablets pressed into the soil of potted plants.
- Winterization (for outdoor fountains):
- In colder climates, most tropical aquatic plants will not survive winter outdoors.
- Remove sensitive plants and bring them indoors, or consider them annuals.
- Drain the fountain to prevent freezing damage to the pump and basin.
By following these steps, you can successfully add plants to your fountain, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly garden feature.
