Glossy Pondweed
Glossy Pondweed. The Best Oxygen Plant?
This popular oxygen plant (Latin name: Potamogeton Lucens) is an aquatic plant commonly found in the Netherlands. It is a very popular pond plant. This has a number of reasons. This aquatic plant has large leaves which contain a lot of chlorophyll. This allows a lot of oxygen into the water. This is due to the photosynthesis effect. Besides adding oxygen, this plant grows very quickly. To grow quickly, nutrition is needed. This oxygen plant gets this from the pond. Because algae need the same nutrients, they will not grow as well. This keeps your pond clearer. During growth, a substance is also released that further inhibits algae growth. This characteristic is called allelopathy or allelopathic. There are a number of other species that also have this property. These include Hornleaf, Crabweed and Waterweed. Also, this well-known oxygen plant is famous for its graceful appearance. It has beautiful, translucent leaves which are a nice sight in many ponds. Its fame also comes from the fact that this aquatic plant was described by Ada Hofman in her book. She describes it as a must-have aquatic plant for the pond. We can only endorse this.
Distribution in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, this aquatic plant is common. Ditches, rivers, canals, open ponds, etc. You can encounter this oxygen plant there. In the east and centre of the country, this species is fairly rare. It also occurs in Flanders.
Unfortunately, due to eutrophication (increasingly nutrient-rich waters), this aquatic plant is losing ground. This is mainly because the water is becoming increasingly turbid. As a result, plants get less light and are less able to grow, especially in deep waters. This gives algae more opportunity, making the water even more turbid. This snowball effect is detrimental to many aquatic plants found in the Netherlands.
Glossy pondweed Properties
- Position: Sun
- Stem length 1-1.5 metres in the pond
- Planting depth: 50 to 150 cm
- Rooting aquatic plant, should be planted.
- Food-rich water is appreciated.
- It is important that the water values are up to standard. (GH, KH, pH)
Frequently asked questions
What is the flowering time of Glossy Pondweed?
Glossy Pondweed (Potamogeton lucens) blooms from June to August. During this period, small, inconspicuous flowers appear, protruding above the surface of the water. The flowers are not the plant's main attraction; the long, slender, glossy leaves that grow underwater give it its graceful appearance. Although the blooms are less conspicuous, glossy pondweed plays an important role in the ecosystem of ponds and watercourses by releasing oxygen and providing habitat for aquatic animals.
Is Glossy Pondweed a native aquatic plant?
Yes, Glossy Pondweed is native to the Netherlands and other parts of Europe. It occurs naturally in still and slow-flowing water such as ponds, lakes and canals. The plant is well adapted to the European climate and helps maintain water quality by removing excess nutrients and promoting clear water. Being native, it poses no threat to biodiversity and is a valuable aquatic plant in natural water features.
How to plant Glossy Pondweed?
Glossy Pondweed is best planted in still or slow-flowing water, in a sunny to slightly shaded spot. The plant takes root in the bottom of ponds or watercourses, preferring muddy or sandy soils. To plant shiny pondweed, you can place it directly in the pond bottom or put it in a plant basket with pond soil. The roots should be well anchored in the soil so that the plant stands firm and can grow. It is important to place the plant at a suitable depth so that the leaves can develop well under water.
How do I maintain Glossy Pondweed ?
Glossy Pondweed requires little maintenance as long as it grows in clean, well-oxygenated water. The plant itself helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and keeping the water clear. Regular maintenance can include removing dead plant material or excess stems to prevent the plant from taking up too much space. In a pond with fish or other aquatic animals, you usually don't need to do much, as the natural balance is often enough to keep the plant healthy. However, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overgrown by algae or other aquatic plants.
How should I prune Glossy Pondweed?
Pruning Glossy Pondweed is easy and can be done to keep the plant in check. If the plant gets too big or parts of it die off, you can cut off the excess stems with scissors. This is best done in late spring or summer, when growth is at its peak. Remove cut stems and leaves from the water to prevent them from rotting and adversely affecting water quality. Regular pruning keeps the plant neat and healthy and prevents excessive spreading.
Is Glossy Pondweed hardy?
Yes, Glossy Pondweed is a hardy aquatic plant. It can tolerate the cold temperatures of winter well and survives without problems even if the water freezes. In winter, the aboveground part of the plant dies off, but the roots and lower parts remain alive underwater. As soon as temperatures rise again in spring, the plant sprouts again and starts growing again. This characteristic makes glossy pondweed a durable choice for ponds and watercourses in temperate climates.
What is the planting depth of Glossy Pondweed ?
Glossy Pondweed grows best in water 30 to 150 cm deep. The roots should be well anchored in the muddy or sandy bottom, while the long, slender leaves spread below the water's surface. It is important to ensure that the plant gets enough light, as it grows best in clear, oxygen-rich water. Placing the plant too deep can stunt its growth. By choosing the right planting depth, the leaves of glossy pondweed can fully develop and form a healthy, well-growing plant.
Buy Glossy Pondweed?
We have good experiences with oxygen plants from the Pond Master. Glossy Pondweed is for sale via De Vijvermeester's webshop. Here you can find beautiful bunches of high quality.
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