How to Kill Algae on Pond Plants

Overgrowth of algae can be a huge eyesore for pond owners. Whether you have constructed a koi pond or simply have a large pond as part of your property, any pond owner wants to keep algae levels well under control, as extreme algae buildup is unsightly. Controlling algae levels on pond plants and rocks comes down to starving the algae of the nutrients it needs to grow. One of the biggest benefits of this strategy of controlling algae population is that it does not involve the use of any chemicals, which could harm plant life and other animals and fish living in the pond.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft brush
  • Barley straw bundle
  • Rope (if necessary)
  • Empty water jug (if necessary)
  • Pond or pool vacuum
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull out all excess algae that you can reach, either with your hands or with the soft brush.

    • 2

      Add water lilies and other floating water plants to the pond. These plants block sunlight and also absorb nutrients that the algae needs to grow. With depleted sun exposure and a lower level of available food, algae levels will die out and become more regulated.

    • 3

      Put one barley straw bundle in the pond for every 1,000 gallons of water. These bundles will also absorb other nutrients and block sunlight. Bundles should be kept in their original mesh wrapping and should float on the surface of the pond. Barley bundles can also be tied to a floating device, such as an empty water jug, to ensure they do not sink to the bottom of the pond where they will be ineffective.

    • 4

      Vacuum the bottom of the pond routinely, which will pick up loose algae and pond scum growing on the bottom.