Aquatic plants are an alternative with a great visual impact for any type of green space and garden. “Aquatic” or ” hydrophytic “ are those plants that have managed to adapt to survive in or near aquatic environments and which, in order to develop harmoniously and effectively, need abundant quantities of water .
How aquatic plants are classified
These plants have different ways of developing vegetation and based on these they can be classified into different groups:
- shore plants , i.e. those whose roots are rooted in the soil and usually grow at a water depth that never exceeds 1 meter ;
- plants with floating leaves , whose roots are anchored to the bottom of the body of water ;
- submerged plants , entirely covered by water ;
- floating plants , which generally move on the surface of the water .
Aquatic plants exist in an immense variety of forms, which represent the fruit of the attempt of these botanical entities to survive and adapt to the presence of water.
Aquatic plants: characteristics
Aquatic plants have a thin cuticle , which performs the important function of preventing too much water from being dispersed . Their stomata are open almost all of the time, as the plant has copious amounts of water available. Unlike other botanical species, aquatic plants have a higher number of stomata , which are generally found on both sides of the foliage.
Aquatic plants are characterized by a light and flexible ” frame “, as this allows them to better tolerate the pressure exerted by the water.
Some varieties, such as water lilies, they float thanks to the leaves they are equipped with. Their roots are minute, because their role is limited only to the absorption of nutrients , including the oxygen they find in the environment and in the water from which they are abundantly surrounded.
Due to their limited function, the roots of aquatic plants are also defined as “feather “, because they do not need to support the plant.
Aquatic plants are endowed with a really fast growth and, for this reason, they often compete with the other botanical species they are surrounded by.
For this reason, when they are planted, it is essential to pay the utmost attention to type of vegetation that will surround them .
How aquatic plants are cared for
To take care of aquatic plants, no major maintenance works are necessary: often intervening on them, in fact, risks compromising and damaging their micro-climate and vital balance.
They are very resistant and vigorous perennials , which are not frequently affected by attacks from aphids and other insects.
Aquatic plants, in most cases, love a largely sunny exposure . To prevent them from being compromised, when the winter season arrives , it is preferable to shelter the most delicate plants in a place protected from frost or in a heated greenhouse .
The ideal soil for successful cultivation is garden soil mixed with manure . After having planted them, it is advisable to water the plants well.
Aquatic plants are as beautiful and decorative as they are delicate and demanding in cultivation, which is why, before starting to cultivate them, it is highly recommended to study their characteristics ., to better understand the cultural needs. Some of these plants are very large and therefore adapt only to large bodies of water; others, on the contrary, have smaller dimensions and, therefore, can be used to decorate and revive smaller and more contained water basins.
What are the indispensable conditions for the cultivation of aquatic plants
One of the essential elements for a successful cultivation is the soil. They can be grown in any type of pot or container, but what matters is that it is waterproof and resistant to oxidation . After choosing the destination container for the plants, the next step is to fill it halfway with potting soil. It must consist of peat , natural fertilizer and sand .
Finish planting with a layer of sand , so that the soil remains attached to the plant even when the water is poured. At this point it is good to plant the seeds in the ground: aquatic plants will draw essential nutrients from it and grow effectively.
As for the cultivation of aquatic plants in large tanks , ponds or water basins , it is necessary to create a layer of soil measuring at least 30 cm .
A very important factor for the correct growth of aquatic plants is acclimatization . Eg:
- in areas with a warmer climate , the container or basin must be deeper than in cold areas , because in summer the water tends to overheat if the level is too low , releasing essential nutrients into the environment.
- On the contrary, in countries with a harsh climate , the container or basin must have a limited depth , to allow the water present to heat up quickly and completely.
To ensure long life for aquatic plants, it is advisable to check the water level often , as this risks being reduced due to evaporation
