Lily Pads in Ponds: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Maintenance Strategies

Lily pads are a captivating addition to any pond, known for their round, flat floating leaves and stunning flowers. These aquatic plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of ponds and can play a significant role in the ecosystem. Understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and maintenance strategies is essential for pond owners looking to balance beauty and functionality.

The Aesthetic and Ecological Benefits of Lily Pads:

Water lilies / Lily pads offer more than just visual appeal. They provide shade for fish, reducing water temperature and reducing algae growth. The roots of lily pads help stabilize the pond's bottom. Water lily’s flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the surrounding ecosystem's health. The habitat they provide is unique in small ponds, and can be a very real value to your pond’s ecosystem. Water lilies are available in a wide variety of colors and their unique structure is a great addition to a koi pond or small backyard landscape pond.

The flowers of lily pads are not only beautiful but also play a vital role in the plant's life cycle. These blooms are often associated with tranquility and natural beauty, making them a popular choice for decorative ponds. The flowers also provide food and habitat for various pond-dwelling creatures. These plants are habitat for all sorts of aquatic insects, amphibians, mammals, fish, and birds.

                                        But:
There are some significant pitfalls to the lily pad tale…

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Potential Drawbacks and Challenges Posed by Lily Pads

While lily pads are beneficial aquatic plants with native species being some of the hardiest lacustrine plants known to mankind, they can become problematic if left unmanaged. If left unchecked, overpopulation can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the water column, which can harm fish and other aquatic life. They can also cover large surface areas, blocking sunlight and inhibiting the growth of other aquatic plants. Too much of a good thing is very rarely a good thing…Large stands of waterlilies can be a bear to get under control/get rid of. Once mature, the heavy fibrous tuber-like root systems will snake around to every crack and crevice in your pond; making control a difficult arduous task.
Learning how to remove lily pads from a pond when they become excessive is crucial to maintaining a healthy pond environment.

How to Remove or Manage Excessive Lily Pads: Step-by-Step Guide

If lily pads begin to overpopulate your pond, it's important to take action. 

• Start by identifying the areas with the most growth.
• Is it a native pond lily or an introduced cultivar?
• Native lily pad species (white pond lily, spatterdock) are super tough and will take multiple tries to control
• Non-native cultivars exhibit more colorful flowers and are less winter hardy than our broad-shouldered natives. Usually the brighter the color (red, purple, pink) the less winter tolerant they are. These varieties rarely become an issue unless you live in a much warmer climate than I do…
• For smaller stands of pads, use a pond rake to pull them from the roots to prevent regrowth. 
• For larger infestations, consider using aquatic herbicides specifically designed for pond plants. I briefly touched on this in another article, check out the link below.
• Common Invasive Pond Weeds and tips for Control
• Aquatic formulations of glyphosate mixed with an aquatic non-ionic surfactant sprayed on the floating leaves during the 2nd half of the summer (anytime after the 4th of July) will kill the entire plant. Use this strategy with caution. 
• Regular maintenance, such as trimming and monitoring plant growth, can help prevent future overgrowth. 
• Keeping the rootstock contained in pots is a good way to keep them under control, just be sure they do not escape on you…I recommend annual cleaving of the rootstock to keep the lilies exactly the size you want them to be. 
•  Koi and other herbivorous fish will also keep pond lilies in check.

Decorative Options: Using Floating Lily Pads for Pond Enhancement

For those only looking to enhance their pond's aesthetic, artificial floating lily pads for ponds are an excellent option. They are an easy way to add color and interest without the maintenance challenges that come with real plants. Floating lily pads can be strategically placed to create visual interest and complement other pond features.

Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Lily Pads in Ponds

Lily pads are a valuable addition to any pond, offering both beauty and ecological benefits. However, they require careful management to prevent potential issues like overgrowth and oxygen depletion. By understanding their role and learning effective maintenance strategies, pond owners can enjoy the benefits of lily pads while minimizing drawbacks.

FAQs:

1. Are lily pads good for fish in a pond?

Yes, lily pads provide shade and shelter for fish, helping to regulate water temperature and protect them from predators. They are also fantastic habitat for a host of other pond organisms.

2. How do lily pads affect the oxygen levels in a pond?

Lily pads can lower oxygen levels if they cover too much of the pond’s surface, which can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

3. Can I use floating lily pads in a pond with koi fish?

Yes, floating lily pads are safe for koi ponds. However, koi will nibble on real plants, so artificial options might be better for decorative purposes.

4. What is the best time to remove lily pads from a pond?

The best time to remove lily pads is in late summer or early fall when their growth slows, making it easier to manage them without harming other pond life. The plants are getting ready for winter and translocating nutrients to their roots. Controlling them during this time period will have lasting effects into the next season.