Floating Stage - Hydrarch

The pond is now colonised by plant species which are rooted in mud but their leaves reach water surface and float. These are species of Nelumbo, Nymphaea, Trapa, and Monochoria. Some free-floating species that are not fixed in the mud also make their appearance. Examples are Lemna, Wolffia, Pistia, Salvinia, Azolla and Eichhornia.

Due to the growth, and death and decay of these organisms, the water level by now becomes very much decreased, making the pond much more shallower. Evaporation of water, along with the addition of silt from the adjacent area also contributes in making the pond shallower. The pond now does not remain suitable for this kind of plants and the next stage appears.