Wetland plants adapt to waterlogged environments, with rich variety and outstanding ecological value

Wetland plants are a group of plants that grow in marshes, riverbanks, shallow waters along lakesides, paddy fields and other environments where the soil is excessively wet. They have long adapted to water-saturated, poorly aerated conditions, and their roots, stems and leaves often contain well-developed aerenchyma, allowing them to breathe normally even in oxygen-poor mud. They are an important part of wetland ecosystems. Tolerance of moisture and waterlogging is the most prominent characteristic of these plants, and many species can also absorb excess nutrients from the water and stabilise bank soil, so they are often used in constructed wetlands and aquatic ecological restoration.

According to where they grow, wetland plants can be broadly divided into three major groups: emergent, floating-leaved and submerged. Emergent plants such as reeds (Phragmites), cattails (Typha), sweet flag (Acorus calamus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum) have roots anchored in the mud at the bottom while their stems and leaves rise above the water surface; floating-leaved plants such as water lilies (Nymphaea) and spatterdock (Nuphar) have leaves that float on the water surface; submerged plants are entirely below the water, with common examples including hornwort (Ceratophyllum) and eelgrass (Vallisneria).

In terms of application, wetland plants are often used to create wetland parks, water gardens and courtyard ponds. They not only enrich the layering of the landscape but also provide habitat for fish, water birds and other animals. Gardeners who have a small pond or a large water vat at home can also try planting a few; they are easier to manage than ordinary potted plants.

When caring for wetland plants, the key is to keep the water clean and the water level stable, avoiding sharp rises and falls. When growing them in containers, watch out in summer for whether the water becomes foul-smelling, and change the water promptly while cutting off dead leaves and spent flowers. Overall, these plants are highly adaptable and highly ornamental, making them a type of plant well worth trying in waterscape design.