Creating a pond in a pot is a brilliant way to bring the calming presence of water to patios, balconies, or small gardens — no digging required. But the key to a thriving miniature pond is choosing the right mix of aquatic plants. From floating showstoppers to oxygen-boosting workhorses, here's a guide to the kinds of plants that work best.

1. Water Lilies (Nymphaea)

These are the stars of any pond setup. Dwarf or miniature varieties are perfect for container ponds. Their floating leaves shade the water, helping to reduce algae, while their blooms add instant drama and colour.

Top choices:

• Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola' (yellow)

• Nymphaea 'Snow Princess' (white)

2. Marginal Plants

Marginal plants sit on the edge of the pond, often partially submerged. In a pond in a pot, they’re typically placed in shallower water or raised on bricks or mesh platforms.

Popular marginal plants:

• Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides): Masses of small blue flowers.

• Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata): Heart-shaped leaves and purple flower spikes.

• Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga): A creeping plant with tiny blue flowers.

• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Great for trailing over the edge of your container.

3. Floating Plants

Floating plants don’t need planting — just drop them on the surface. They provide shade and help suppress algae by competing for nutrients.

Great options:

• Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

• Duckweed (Lemna minor)

• Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)

Tip: Be cautious with floating plants in full sun — some, like duckweed, spread quickly and may need thinning.

4. Oxygenators

These are submerged plants that help oxygenate the water, which is crucial for keeping it clean and supporting aquatic life like snails or tadpoles.

Reliable oxygenators:

• Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

• Elodea canadensis

• Water Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis)

5. Architectural Plants

If you want a striking vertical element, choose one or two structural plants. These help give your container pond shape and visual interest.

Examples include:

• Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)

• Variegated Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus 'Variegatus')

Final Thoughts

When choosing plants for your pond in a pot, think in layers: a floating centrepiece, some marginals for texture and colour, a few submerged oxygenators, and maybe a tall accent. Keep it balanced and not overcrowded — most container ponds thrive with 3–5 plant types total.

Also, position your pond where it gets at least 4–6 hours of sun a day, and keep the water topped up — especially in hot weather. With the right mix of plants, your pond in a pot will be buzzing with life and beauty all season long.