Aquatic Plants Care Instructions!
By Dick Schuck
All aquatic plants perform their best when grown in good garden soil. Use of a plastic containers will simplify the task of planting and maintaining plants and the pond.
Helpful Hints!
These are the approximate pot size recommendations: Use 23x10 pots are for the large lotus.16x7 are best for lilies, small lotus and tall marginal plants.10x7 typically are good for small marginal plants.
For ease of identification, the aquatic plants youll be purchasing for your pond can be categorized as:- Lilies Nymphaea (Hardy or Tropical)
- Lotus Nelumbo
- Shallow Water Plants (including Iris)
- Lily-Like Aquatics
- Oxygenators or Floaters
And for best results please refer to the following guidelines for the type of pond plants you will be working with:
A 1 to 2 layer of pea gravel should be placed on top of the soil to prevent fish from disturbing the soil and plant.All rooted water plants will require fertilizer occasionally. Generally, if plants begin to shrink in size during the growing season you can assume fertilizer is needed.For fertilizing aquatic plants we recommend the use of a fertilizer in tablet form. (If using a granular fertilizer, wrap a small amount in a paper towel).Push either type of fertilizer several inches below the soil surface. Be careful not to over fertilize as this will promote algae growth.If fertilizer does not cause renewed plant vigor, the container may be too small or sunshine too little. Generally, the larger the container the larger the plant will grow.
Planting Specifics!
- Choose a cool, shaded area for potting. It is important not to let plat roots dry out completely.
- Use regular garden soil, not commercial potting soil mixes.
- If there are large drain holes in the pots you are using, place a few sheets of newspaper in the bottom before adding soil.
- Add two fertilizer tablets per gallon of soil before placing plants in the pot. Be careful that plant roots are not touching the fertilizer as this will burn the roots.
A. - LiliesHardy Water Lilies Never cover the crown with soilPlace the cut end of the tuber closest to the pot edgePlant in relatively still water. Strong water currents are often detrimental to their developmentTropical Water Lilies Same as above but center the plant in the container
B. - LotusTuber should be placed on top of soil and held in place by a small amount of gravel until rootedDo not add fertilizer until 3 to 5 leaves are standing above the waters surface
C. - Shallow Water Plants Add two fertilizer tablets per gallon of soil before placing plants in the pot. Be careful that plant roots are not touching the fertilizer as this will burn the roots
D. - Lily-Like Aquatics Add two fertilizer tablets per gallon of soil before placing plants in the pot. Be careful that plant roots are not touching the fertilizer as this will burn the roots
E.- OxygenatorsOxygenators should be planted in gravel or sand only and placed under water
F. - FloatersFloaters are not planted
Plant Depth*
Whenever possible, place newly potted aquatic plants at shallow depths and once established move them to deeper depths as indicated in the chart bellowIf your pond or garden doesnt have a shelf to allow this, newly potted plants can be raised on bricks
| | New Plant Depths | Established Plant Depths | | Water Lilies | 8 12 | 18 24 | | Lotus | 2 4 | 6 12 | | Shallow Water Plants | 0 2 | 0 6 | | Lily-Like Aquatics | 4 6 | 8 10 | | Oxygenators | 8 10 | 10 16 |
Tip
Careful observation of your aquatic plants will generally indicate when they need fertilizer. A couple of good indications are if your lily pads begin to shrink in size or the leaves of your plants are pale rather than deep green. These symptoms can also indicate crowding in containers that are too small.
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