[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Pond Plants – Floating plants
These plants are not renowned for their flowers, but they give the pond a more natural feel and are important for the well-being of the fish. They spread to form a dense mass, protecting the fish from predators, especially birds, and also from sunburn, in addition to curbing algal growth. Furthermore, they provide spawning sites and food for some species of fish. Floating plants are easy to establish—simply let them drift on the surface until they find a suitable position—and they develop much faster in a new pond than other types of plants, such as marginals and water lilies. Some popular varieties originate from warm climates and are not hardy in temperate areas. They should be brought inside to protect them from winter frosts.