Amazing Anacharis
A universe in bloom, pond's magic room
tranquil as a shimmering dress, caress the moon
Shallow, yet deep, bottom not too easily seen
murky fathoms, hosting secrets of eternal green
- John Coe
Ah, ponds! Water gardeners love this time of year. What fun to take off the pond netting, scoop out any pine needles or leaves that managed to fall in, and see new growth on the water lilies you cut back in the fall! But, then you see it – that nasty green slick enemy! Algae. Not only does it look bad, if it gets out of control, it stinks. Ugh!
So, what’s wrong with a little bit of algae?
Nothing, if it is indeed little. In fact, algae are a necessary part of a healthy, balanced pond. A pond devoid of all algae is either sterile or being supported by outside forces (fish food feeders). Limited amounts of algae are a good thing. But, you can have too much of a good thing. Then, it becomes a bad thing. In east Texas, when we get those beautiful unexpected 80-degree days in late winter or early spring, the algae is anything but “little.” I have been told that everyone in east Texas who has a backyard pond also has an algae problem in early spring. That has been true in my case. Algae are dangerous for your plants and your fish. They are capable of smothering plants and causing other problems like pH swings and clogged filters. During photosynthesis, algae provide oxygen during the day, but use it at night. Overnight, a pond infested with algae may lose enough oxygen and/or have a pH drop far enough to harm fish.
I did everything right. Why do I have algae?
There are several causes of algae growth in ponds. Algae need nitrogen, phosphorus and sunlight. The nutrients may be supplied by fish waste and decaying organic matter. In late winter and early spring, plant coverage of the pond surface is not ideal. More sunlight is hitting the pond now than later in the season when the plants grow and flourish. With weather and temperature changes, algae grow. If you have a waterfall, you may see string algae. This is because there is a constant supply of nutrients, the sunlight is usually unobstructed, and the water is warmer. There may also be a higher concentration of algae around the shallow edges of the pond where the water is warmer.
Okay, I have a problem. Any solutions?
The Anacharis, also known as Elodea, waterweed or Brazilian waterweed, is an ideal pond plant. Anacharis is an oxygenator plant that competes with algae for the nutrients in the water, and reduces the amount of algae that will be able to grow. The plant is light to bright green in color, with fern-like leaves. The branching stems are covered in whorled leaves that help oxygenate and clarify the water. Because of its shape, Anacharis also acts as a filter, catching and holding suspended material in the pond. Is that it? Nope. This versatile plant also provides shade and spawning material for your fish.
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More about Anacharis:
It is a fast grower, and will commonly double its size in two to three weeks. The plant anchors itself in the substrate by its roots, but will also grow when floating freely.
Anacharis can be bought in bunches of 6-8 stems and anchored, or pre-potted in a gravel mix. (The plant does not need to be “planted” per se, but putting it in gravel keeps it from floating all over the pond.) The pot or basket should be situated in the center of the pond. Recommended amounts vary from one bunch for every 10-20 gallons of pond water to one bunch per square foot of surface area for breakdown of fish waste and algae elimination. If pre-potted, simply sink the pot to the pond floor. It won’t take long for the Anacharis to grow to the top of the pond and spread out. Anacharis winters well here, and is recommended for zones 5-11. There is no need to fertilize the plant; you want it to take advantage of the excess nutrients (nitrates) already present in your pond.
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What? No Downsides?
I know – it sounds too good to be true. If you have goldfish in your pond, Anacharis can’t be beat. Koi, however, have been known to enjoy the taste. I have comets and shubunkins and they don’t bother it a bit. In fact, they seem to enjoy swimming through it. It also gives them a place to hide and to spawn. Even if you have koi, I would give it a try. You’ll be able to judge whether or not your plant needs some protection. Good luck, and goodbye algae.
Sherrie Smith, Intern
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