Asked By: Marty from Ferndale, MI
A: Is there any reason to add fake pond plants if you already have the real things growing? While they are not necessary, artificial pond plants provide some understated benefits.
Real aquatic plants generally die in the winter, exposing your fish to opportunistic predators. Plastic vegetation is there to stay, making an ideal DIY koi fish shelter for wintertime. Artificial water lilies block your fish from aerial predators, and submerged varieties give them a place to flee from any critter willing to dive in and hunt.
Additionally, fake pond plants are low-maintenance and require zero pruning, fertilization, or other upkeep. Once you set them in the pond, they are good to go. This is a fantastic option if you have a small water garden and little time for routine maintenance.
Be aware that artificial pond plants are no substitute for the water-filtering and oxygen-infusing powers of live aquatic vegetation. Artificial plants are best used to supplement your natural pond plants, even if you only have one or two growing.
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Keep reading about pond plants in the following related articles:
Benefits of Aquatic Plants in a Water Garden
How to Create a Spawning Habitat
Last Updated: April 29, 2025