(a bare-rooted stem)
A timeless classic of aquaponics and natural ponds!
Water mint (Mentha aquatica L.) was probably one of the first plants used in aquaponics.
Indeed, it thrives with its roots in water, without necessarily needing a substrate, feeding on excess nitrates and all the metabolic waste from fish.
Much like marsh iris, it enjoys having its feet in water or the moist soil of banks. But its much smaller size allows it to be used in all settings, including indoors and in open aquariums.
At the edge of a pond, it can be planted in moist soil or up to 10-15 cm deep in water. Its stems will emerge and bloom, forming beautiful clusters of small flowers ranging from very pale pink (almost white) to a brighter pink.
Its leaves are aromatic (it’s a mint!).
Most importantly, and perhaps its most appreciated quality outdoors: it strongly attracts pollinators. Honeybees, wild bees, and bumblebees of all kinds flock to feed on the nectar of its flowers.
In permaculture mini-ponds or along your pond’s edge, it will ensure permanent biodiversity that benefits all the other plants in your garden.
It spreads quickly on its own if conditions suit it. Its creeping roots form stolons like its terrestrial cousin, occupying all the space it’s given. Some stems can sometimes reach 80 cm in height, which is the maximum, though the plant generally stays around thirty centimeters tall.
It survives winter without any problem, tolerating down to -15°C. Its aerial stems disappear in winter and it regrows vigorously in spring, much to the delight of insects.
This stem, bare-rooted and therefore without artificial substrate, gives you complete freedom in planting method: bare roots submerged in aquarium or aquaponics pond water, planting in moist potting soil, or directly in the soil or mud of a pond.
