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 but 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 natural shade for fish, helping reduce water temperature and limit algae growth.

Their root systems play a crucial role in maintaining pond health.
Lily pad roots help stabilize the pond bottom and support overall water clarity.

Water lily flowers support the surrounding ecosystem.
Their blooms attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthier environment around your pond.

They create valuable habitat, especially in small ponds.
This added shelter and balance can make a noticeable difference in your pond’s ecosystem.

Available in a wide range of colors, water lilies add lasting beauty.
Their unique structure makes them a perfect fit for koi ponds and small backyard landscape ponds.

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 habitats for all sorts of aquatic insects, amphibians, mammals, fish, and birds.

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

 

Potential Drawbacks and Challenges Posed by Lily Pads

Lily pads are beneficial, but they require management.
Native water lilies are among the hardiest aquatic plants, but when left unmanaged, they can quickly become problematic.

Overgrowth can impact water quality and fish health.
Excessive lily pads can reduce oxygen levels in the water column, which may stress or harm fish and other aquatic life.

Dense surface coverage limits light penetration.
Large mats of lily pads can block sunlight, preventing other aquatic plants from growing and reducing overall pond balance.

Mature root systems are difficult to control.
Once established, lily pads develop heavy, fibrous, tuber-like roots that spread into cracks and crevices along the pond bottom, making removal a challenging and labor-intensive process.

Timely removal is key to pond health.
Learning how to remove lily pads when they become excessive is essential for maintaining a balanced, 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.