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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October

Egeria densa (Brazilian Pondweed)

Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Original price £0.00 - Original price £0.00
Original price £0.00
£2.00
£2.00 - £1,000.00
Current price £2.00
Number of Bunches: 1 Bunch
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Egeria densa (Brazilian Pondweed)

Egeria densa, commonly known as Brazilian Pondweed, is a fast-growing submerged aquatic plant widely used to improve water quality in ponds and aquaria. It produces strong oxygenation and helps create clear, balanced water. Many pond keepers choose this species when they want quick results.

This vigorous perennial develops long, branching stems that can reach up to 90 cm. The stems carry dense whorls of fine, linear leaves along their length. As the plant grows, it forms thick underwater cover. When it reaches the surface, it creates floating mats that provide shade and shelter.

Small white flowers appear on slender stalks just above the water in late spring. In warm conditions, a second flowering may occur in autumn. These blooms add seasonal interest and help attract pollinators.

You may also find Egeria densa sold under other names:

  • Large-flowered waterweed

It is also known by the botanical synonym:

  • Elodea densa

If you struggle with green water, this plant can make a noticeable difference. It absorbs excess nutrients and competes with algae. It also releases oxygen during the day, which supports fish and beneficial bacteria.

Ask yourself how quickly you want your pond to stabilise. A fast-growing oxygenator can help new ponds settle and support wildlife from the start.

Why grow Egeria densa in your pond or aquarium?

  • Fast growth for quick oxygenation
  • Improves water clarity and balance
  • Provides cover for fish, fry, and amphibians
  • Helps reduce algae growth
  • Easy to grow and maintain
  • Suitable for ponds and cold-water aquaria

Dense growth creates safe spaces for aquatic life. It also helps regulate temperature by shading the water. This reduces stress for fish during warmer months.

Planting and care tips

  • Simply place bunches in the water
  • Allow stems to float or anchor in aquatic soil
  • Suitable for depths from 30 cm to over 1 m
  • Trim regularly to control growth
  • Best introduced in spring or early summer
  • Remove excess growth to maintain open water

This species grows strongly in nutrient-rich water. Regular thinning helps maintain balance and prevents overcrowding. Cut stems often re-root, which makes propagation simple.

Combine Brazilian Pondweed with native oxygenators such as Callitriche and Myriophyllum to create a layered habitat. This approach supports more wildlife and improves resilience.

If you want a dependable plant that supports clear water and strong wildlife habitats, Egeria densa is a practical and effective choice for many pond and aquarium setups.

FAQs

What are the best oxygenating plants for a wildlife pond?

Good choices include submerged species such as hornwort, water starwort, water violet, water crowfoot and suitable pondweeds. The best choice depends on the pond's depth, size and conditions, so using more than one suitable species can provide useful underwater habitat as well as plant diversity.

How many oxygenating plants do I need in my pond?

As a general guide, the RHS suggests around four to five bunches of submerged oxygenators, each containing three to four stems, per square metre of water surface. Avoid excessive planting, as submerged plants also respire at night and overcrowding can cause problems.

Do oxygenating pond plants keep water clear?

Oxygenating plants can contribute to a balanced pond and compete for nutrients that might otherwise support excessive algae growth. However, they are not a guaranteed cure for green water, as water clarity is affected by factors including sunlight, nutrients, plant coverage and the overall balance of the pond.

Do oxygenating plants need to be planted in baskets?

It depends on the species. Some submerged oxygenators are rooted and can be planted or anchored in aquatic baskets, while others can grow freely in the water. Follow the planting instructions for the individual species rather than treating all oxygenators in the same way.

Do I need oxygenating plants if I have a pond pump?

A pump can circulate and aerate water, but oxygenating plants provide additional benefits such as underwater cover and habitat for pond life. For a wildlife pond, plants are therefore useful for more than simply adding oxygen to the water.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.