Plant Doctor Archive

Water Gardens — Combating algae

WHAT types of plants are best at combating algae in a pond?

ANYTHING that grows rapidly and so removes nutrients from the water will help in the reduction of algae. At least that is the theory!

In actual fact the plants that are the best at it are all noxious weeds in New Zealand and so are not available. Also, our summer is longer and hotter than those countries where this theory is promulgated. I recommend using a good filter system to control algae and planting for aesthetic reasons and to provide shelter and spawning places for fish.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH.