13 Plants for Goldfish Ponds (Top Picks)

A densely planted goldfish pond would be a fantastic addition to both outdoor and indoor landscapes. On their own, goldfish are incredibly fascinating to observe. As they are energetic, social, and often curious, caring for them is a rewarding practice for pondkeepers of all experience levels. These domesticated creatures, with an ancestry that dates back hundreds of years in East Asia, now come in dozens of hardy and fancy varieties.

Hardy goldfish breeds, typically the most common ones, thrive in a wide range of freshwater environments. Essentially, they are cool water fish, equipped with the anatomy and physiology for withstanding seasonal changes in temperature, food availability, and nutrient concentrations. Fancy goldfish breeds, on the other hand, are more sensitive to water conditions. A wise selection of submerged, floating, and marginal plants can aid in optimizing pond parameters.

As omnivores, goldfish may occasionally nibble and feast on nutritious aquatic plants. For this reason, it pays to have both edible and inedible (yet non-harmful) hydrophytes in ornamental ponds. Those that fare well in indoor tanks may not always be the best choices due to their potential for invasion or their miniature features. Browse through the list below for some of the most beneficial species for goldfish ponds.

Pond-Safe Plants That Goldfish Are Likely to Eat

1) Common duckweed (Lemna minor)

In controlled quantities, the common duckweed is a highly beneficial addition to both wildlife and ornamental ponds. Goldfish are likely to consume its minute leaves, each of which has a root that dangles into the water. Their moderate consumption of this species should help manage its vegetative spread and allow it to provide its ecological services without depriving other floating plants of space. Naturally found in slow-moving streams and freshwater ponds, duckweed tissues contain a high concentration of protein.

Common duckweed tends to form colonies that efficiently accumulate nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals. Its bright green carpets may help stifle the growth of algae, serve as cover for pond fish, and aid in the control of water temperature levels. Though it does have the potential to cover entire ponds, particularly if the water is still, it is unlikely to do so in the presence of active goldfish. You’ll find that withholding a single dose of feeds should have them chomping on the duckweed!

2) American waterweed (Elodea canadensis)

A submerged aquatic plant, American waterweed can contribute to structure in a goldfish pond’s water column and floor. It produces flexible stems with an indefinite full length; in shallow ponds, this can match the full depth. Under moderate sun exposure and in temperatures ranging from 10 – 25˚C (50 – 77˚F), its stems may quickly lengthen, branch out, and send out fragments that are capable of producing their own adventitious roots.

Though this species tends to become invasive outside of its native range, the presence of herbivorous fish can help quell its spread. In goldfish ponds, it may act as a supplementary source of nutrients while improving water parameters and providing a surface area on which fish may lay their eggs or juveniles may feed. To control its spread in ponds, aim to restrict its roots to submerged pots or containers. The stems may be cut back frequently.

3) Sweet flag (Acorus calamus)

Sweet flag typically grows as a marginal plant in freshwater bodies. To survive through the seasons, its roots need access to consistently watered substrates. This member of the Acoraceae family is often mistaken for a type of grass or sedge. Each of its distinctly tapered leaves, either wholly green or longitudinally variegated, has a marked midrib. It produces inflorescences that are similar to those found in aroids or arums.

Though sweet flag is best situated on the edges of a goldfish pond, curious fish are likely to approach its young foliage and, if hungry and deprived of supplementary food, chow down on the softest parts. Well-established specimens are unlikely to be devoured completely, even by larger koi, as they may be grouped into the “tough” category of aquatic plants. Often sold as an aquarium plant, this species is best suited around ponds, where its leaves may remain exposed instead of submerged.

4) Mosquito fern (Azolla filiculoides)

A. filiculoides, a true aquatic fern, occurs as an eye-catching floating plant in wetlands with moderately warm temperatures. In temperate zones, it persists through winter via the survival of wholly submerged buds. Thus, cool temperatures may help control its spread, preventing it from covering the entire surface area of lakes and ponds. Though it does have the potential to be fast-growing, its presence may also be managed by the grazing activity of herbivorous fish.

Now frequently used as an ornamental plant in garden ponds, the mosquito fern produces carpets of colorful foliage. A single plant is actually very tiny, with a full width of just 1 – 2 cm (0.4 – 0.8 in), but appears much larger as it vegetatively spreads by branching off and expanding further. Given its potential as a secondary source of nutrients in ponds provided with minimal feeds, it is a fine choice for well-managed goldfish ponds.

5) Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

A commercially valuable member of the Brassicaceae or cabbage family, watercress is a perennial vegetable with hollow, floating stems and highly nutritious leaves. When one thinks of ornamental plants for a goldfish pond, this seldom comes to mind as its foliage is far from eye-catching. However, its growth form as a submerged and partly floating plant helps create structure and protects smaller fish. Goldfish can safely play amongst and nibble on the soft leaves and stems.

Some pondkeepers may actually harvest watercress from their ponds and make use of its leaves in their own kitchens! Take note, however, that this practice is not advised if the pond in question is treated with any chemicals or may be a site where run-off tends to accumulate. It’s best to rely on your herbivorous fish to take care of mowing down the leaves!

6) Carolina fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)

Popularized as a pond and aquarium plant, Carolina fanwort is a principally submerged hydrophyte. If its spread is managed and restricted to garden ponds within its native range, it makes for a fine form of erect structure. Its lush stems produce whorls of thin, strap-like foliage. These significantly increase the surface area of the plant, contributing colonizable space for beneficial microbes. Collectively, the whorls of leaves may act as a natural filter for debris and excess nutrients.

As natural omnivores, goldfish are likely to feed on the delicate foliage of this oxygenating species. Their grazing activity, though not usually overly excessive for fanwort, should help maintain its stands and prevent them from overgrowing your pond. Aim to situate the roots in submerged containers. Remove floating fragments of stems as they may take root wherever they come into contact with adequately wet substrates.

7) Red ludwigia (Ludwigia repens)

Although red ludwigia has a reputation for being an aquatic weed outside of its native range, it is a great plant for both the submerged and marginal zones of a goldfish pond. A member of the Onagraceae or evening primrose family, it is distinguished by creeping stems. As suggested by its common name, the stems are distinctly reddish. They form roots wherever they come into contact with moist substrates, so they are best restricted to within raised pots.

Goldfish may snack on the bright green foliage of red ludwigia, particularly when they are provided with less feed than usual. However, they are unlikely to cause significant damage to the plant in regularly fed ponds.  

Pond-Safe Plants That Goldfish Are Not Likely to Eat

1) Water iris (Iris laevigata)

The wonderful, upright stalks of water iris add an air of elegance and timelessness to just about any type of outdoor pond. These thrive best along the edges of freshwater bodies, particularly those with still or slow-moving currents. Emergent, the stems bear lengthy, sword-shaped foliage. When these are reflected by the pond’s surface, they effectively blur the shoreline. In late spring to summer, this species’ stands become transformed by vibrant blue to purple blooms.

Water iris is undoubtedly one of the finest water-loving plants for goldfish ponds because, while its bright green stalks and deep blue hues complement bright orange scales, it resists grazing. Even larger koi, which are known to damage stands of edible hydrophytes, seldom affect well-established colonies of this species.

2) Dwarf papyrus (Cyperus haspan)

Compared to its close relatives, which are known for towering along the banks of some of the world’s most famous rivers, the dwarf papyrus is more suited to small freshwater bodies. This lovely hydrophyte boasts spritely, emergent stems. Each mature stem bears a spiked inflorescence that looks much like a firework frozen in time and space. The triangular stems grow to a maximum height of about 2 feet (61 cm), perfect for the edges of a small to medium-sized goldfish pond!

As a marginal plant, dwarf papyrus has both submerged and exposed parts. The submerged section of its stems can create a maze-like microenvironment where juvenile goldfish may feed on microbes and explore the shallower section of a pond. The mature stems are tough enough to resist a few curious nibbles from older fish. Apart from their visual appeal, the towering blooms provide dappled shade and cover. The roots may aid in improving substrate and water quality along the shoreline.

3) Tiger lotus (Nymphaea lotus)

The tiger lotus is ideal for goldfish ponds in tropical to subtropical locations. Its floating foliage, attached to petioles that grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, thrives best in moderately warm and still waters. Potted specimens should be placed away from a pond pump so that they may become well-established and produce high-quality foliage. The rounded leaves, set apart by their toothed margins, can aid in reducing pond evaporation rates through summer.

The solitary, white blooms of tiger lotus are held by floral stalks that either jut through or are perfectly level with the water’s surface. These are comprised of pointed petals surrounding a cluster of bright yellow stamens. Goldfish seldom disturb the foliage, stalks, or roots of mature tiger lotus specimens. If they do attempt to nibble on the leaves, their grazing activity is unlikely to cause considerable damage. For the most part, you’ll find your fish enjoying the shade provided by this lily’s flat leaves.

4) Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

For a goldfish pond with a jungle-like theme, cultivate marginal pots of taro. This ornamental, moisture-loving plant, known for its large leaves, can persist in shallow, outdoor ponds. It favors partial shade and warm temperatures, where it can soak in a considerable amount of water to make up for whatever is lost through transpiration. Goldfish are likely to play in between its tough, partly submerged stalks and beneath the shade of its thick foliage.

Some varieties of taro have considerably smaller stalks and leaves. The ‘black magic’ taro, for example, produces purple-black leaves that rarely grow to more than a few inches long. These can collectively create a dramatic backdrop for your goldfish, which should pop as they swim close to the deep-colored leaves. Situate the crown of well-established specimens at margins with a depth of around 6 inches (15 cm). Your goldfish are unlikely to feed on submerged stalks or fallen leaves because these contain calcium oxalate crystals.

5) Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed is a great choice for medium to large goldfish ponds, where their colonies should have more space to dominate the shoreline. This emergent perennial is in wetlands with naturally fluctuating ambient conditions. Thus, it can survive through flooding events and brief dry periods. A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is frequently used as an ornamental aquatic plant.

Pickerelweed acts as a natural filter. The submerged portions of its stems create a maze through which excess nutrients may accumulate and goldfish may seek protective cover from potential predators. Although its common name includes the term “weed” as a suffix, it is far from a noxious or troublesome plant in the right environment. It is technically edible, but it is unlikely to be ravaged by ornamental fish. Goldfish may peck at fallen seeds; these should be safe for them to inadvertently swallow.

6) Anubias (Anubias barteri)

Anubias is normally marketed as an aquarium plant, but it can also fare well as a versatile hydrophyte in outdoor ponds. In fact, it is ideal for ponds with conditions that often damage more sensitive species, such as those that favor still water conditions. One study highlights its capacity to limit freshwater acidification. Its foliage and stems can tolerate being partly or fully submerged in running water. Moreover, as the leaves are not known for being appetizing to goldfish, they are generally left alone.

Tolerant to a wide range of light exposures, pH, and depth levels, pots of anubias can be placed in various sections of the pond. Despite its hardy nature in tropical areas, however, it does have a heightened sensitivity to cool temperatures. Its rhizome, which should be anchored to wood or rocks instead of buried in wet substrates, should be exposed to moderately warm water temperatures (~20˚C (~68°F) or higher). As fall or winter approaches, consider overwintering this species in indoor tanks.