Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Transplanting waterplants

I have a two year old pond with no visible waterplant growth. I would like to purchase/ or transplant a few Iris, Arrowhead, Sweetflag and Lilies. Can I dig up and transplant these varieties from neighboring ponds without much risk of infestation of other unwanted species? If I purchase some over the internet is there much risk of introducing an unwanted species?
Anything I can do to reduce the risks of infestation during transplanting?

I think there will always be some risk of a stowed away propogule from a nasty plant. I've seen milfoil fragments in nursury rootstock before. To minimize the chance of an unwanted introduction you could start by pulling plants from a little-disturbed system where you can't find invasive plants like hydrilla. Then try to get all the soil off the roots and wash them as best you can so your just bringing in the plant you want. I have had good success transplanting white lillies, arrowhead, and pikeral plants with most surviving and thriving. In some places you may need to protect the plants from waterfowl and other predation until they become established. Best of Luck!

Welcome aboard Weedwhacker, hope you'll stick around.

Thanks Ric,
Plan on dropping by often. I never miss an opportunity to pretend like I know-it-all. :p
Hope to get lunker status someday!

Nine posts will make you a lunker, Weedwacker; your degree will make you appreciated.