If you have the choice between seaweed or pikeweed, you don't have to think twice. While algae can cause the pond to become unbalanced, the pikeweed stretches out its colorful flowers towards us. That's why you like to hear the news that pike weed helps against algae proliferation.
Why is pikeweed effective against algae?
Pike herb helps against algae by removing nutrients such as phosphate and competing with algae through rapid growth. It also reduces the water surface on which algae can float with its plant parts protruding from the water.
Where does the algae come from?
Only when the pond water turns green do we wonder where the algae suddenly comes from. Because no one knowingly put them in the water. The answer is: they have always been there. Algae are contained in the fine dust, so they reach every new pond in no time. The question is therefore not why there are algae in the pond, but why they are suddenly swimming in such large quantities. Because only then do they become a problem.
Improved living conditions
Algae need phosphate to grow. Other pond plants do this too. The difference is that algae absorb and utilize this element more quickly. As soon as they get more sun or warmth, they start growing immediately. Other plants need a longer start before growth gets going.
For various reasons, the phosphate concentration in the pond can occasionally increase. For example, if fertilization was carried out nearby and the rain washes the phosphate into the pond. The algae that are already present in the pond but are not noticeable are happy to accept it. This is how an algal bloom occurs.
nutrient competition
One solution is to take a large part of the phosphate away from the algae. For example, if other plants use themselves generously, there is less left for the algae. These are available:
- hornwort
- duckweed
- Frogbite
- Pikeweed
Although duckweed and hornwort also help against algae, pikeweed with its violet flowers is a particularly attractive food competitor to the algae.
Rapid growth
The fact that the pike weed can compete with the algae is thanks to its rapid growth. This is the only way the plant can withhold a considerable amount of phosphate from the equally fast algae through its own consumption.
The pike herb can also use its plant parts in the fight against algae. The planting depth is only 10 to 40 cm, which is why it protrudes above the water. This reduces the water surface on which algae can float.
Tip
Plant the pike weed with a plant basket so that it can be overwintered more easily. In autumn, the basket and rhizome are simply pushed into a deeper area of the pond.
