return to the pond crew

Most containers used for aquatics are chosen based upon the size of the water garden and the purpose. The size of the pool or pond dictates the size of the container and the types of plants that will be grown. For the most part, containers that are about 15 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep are suitable for hardy water lilies. When planting tropical water lilies, containers that are 20 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep will work well. For other types of plants, containers in the range of six inches to 20 are suitable. The choice will be made based on the plant and the fact that larger containers produce larger plants and smaller containers tend to keep plants smaller in size.

Hardy water lilies will grow horizontally across your pond. The plant's rhizome should be rooted in a large container sitting shallow (6")water. Water lilies start growth faster in shallow water.

Lotus - like the American lotus shows above - and other aquatic plants should be planted in heavy clay loam soils similar to what you would have in a garden setting. These types of soils are generally well-balanced nutritionally and will support good growth. Commercial potting mixes or other artificial mixes are not used because they are too lightweight and do not hold nutrients for any length of time. Unlike other container gardening "rules" do not use an amended soil mix for potting aquatic plants.

Tropical water lilies can be planted out when the average water temperature is 70 degrees or above. Planting too early will cause the plant to go dormant and cause a long delay in growth and blooming. Use a half bushel or larger container for potting. A sixteen quart tub is usually sufficient for small pools. Remember that larger tubs and larger boxes provide larger plants and larger flowers. Mix night and day bloomers throughout the pool so that you have beautiful flowers both night and day.

Planting Aquatic Plants
By D. Hairlloyde

Gardening with aquatics is similar to other forms of gardening in that you have to be aware of proper soil conditions, kinds of containers, proper planting techniques, fertility needs, and after planting care. What makes water gardening unique is that the plants you grow are growing in a water filled environment. Things like water depth, water temperature and what to do with plants during the winter now become a consideration.

On the whole, water gardens require less attention than dry soil gardens. There is very little weeding, certainly no watering, and there are fewer insects or diseases which attack your water plants. Your water garden is ecologically self sufficient and will maintain itself with clear water if your pond is of the correct depth, has a good filtration system, and correctly chosen plants and wildlife are stocked in sufficient numbers.

Soil used for planting should be damp. Fill containers about two-thirds full of soil. For hardy water lilies, the rhizome should be placed so that the growing point is directed toward the center and at a slight angle. Look for buds or "eyes," similar to what would be found on a potato to determine which end is the growing point. This is done so that it can grow across the
center of the pot. After the rhizome is in place, cover it with soil so that the growing point is just barely above soil level.

Tropical water lilies are planted much like hardy water lilies with one
exception; they are planted in the center of the pot. Lotus is also planted in the center of the pot. Lotus rhizomes should be handled very carefully though, as they are very brittle and subject to damage. Lotus rhizomes are best planted in large containers and should be covered with about 2-4 inches of soil, keeping the growing tips above soil level.

Potting emergent and submerged plants is similar to planting other aquatics. Place some soil in the pot, center the plant and add soil to cover the
roots. Another method that works well is to fill the container with soil, wet it thoroughly so it becomes muddy, and gently press the roots of the plant into the soil.

Once planted, the soil should be covered with a 1/2 to 3/4 inch layer of pea
gravel. This will help prevent soil particles from clouding the water and will discourage fish from digging into the soil. After planting, water thoroughly and carefully lower the containers into the pond at the proper depth.

Placing Plants in the Pond
Hardy water lilies will grow well at water depths of 12-18 inches over the
top of the pot. The plant can be placed in the pot at an initial depth of six inches and then lowered to its final placement or 12-18 as the plant grows. If the pond is in full sun, the minimum amount of water over the top of the pot should be from 6-8 inches for the plant to grow well. If the pond
is in the shade (less than six hours of sun a day), then six inches of water is sufficient in order for the growing tip to receive enough light. Tropical
water lilies prefer to grow at water depths of 12 inches but will tolerate 6-8 inches of water over them while emergent water plants can be grown in soil that is constantly wet or with 2-4 inches of water over the top of them.

In order to conveniently adjust the water depth over the pots, bricks or inverted pots can be used as props under the plants to position them. As plants grow, the depth can be easily adjusted by adding or taking away supports.

Timing the Placement of Plants in the Pond
Hardy water lilies, lotus and emergent plants are tolerant of cooler water temperatures and can be placed in the pond when temperatures reach about 50 degrees. Tropical water lilies and some floaters cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should not be placed in the pond until the water temperature reaches at least 70 degrees. Placing them out too early can cause dormancy, injury and restrict potential growth of the plant.