Protecting Pond Plants from Koi in Canada: Cages, Separate Plant Ponds, and Potting Tricks

Challenge

Canadian pond owner wants floating plant protectors/lily cages but can’t find a supplier shipping to Canada.

Reality Check on Plant Protectors

• They often bunch up, trap fish, reduce light/circulation, and eventually collapse.
• Even “koi‑proof” cages fail with determined fish.

Better Strategies

• Separate plant pond – Water flows from a heavily planted upper pond into the main koi pond (best long‑term).
• Heavy gravel top‑dressing – Thick pea gravel on potted plants deters rooting.
• Limit koi numbers – Fewer koi = more plant survival.

Canadian Source

Big Al’s (online) doesn’t carry protectors. Aqua‑Mart (FL) ships internationally (higher shipping).

Bottom Line

Invest in a plant‑filter pond or heavy potting rather than flimsy cages.