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Plants:

Hardy Lilies
Tropical Lilies
Water Iris
Lotus
Marginals
Floating

Fertilizer & Planters

Plants are an essential part of any healthy pond. They are the key providers of oxygen, create shade from the sun and hiding places from predators, and most importantly, provide an essential part of the natural filtration process.

All aquatic plants perform their best when grown in good garden soil. Using a plastic container will contain the soil and simplify the task of maintaining the plant and pond. A 1" 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. A good indication that plants aren't getting enough fertilization is if they begin to shrink in size during the growing season.

• We recommend the use of a slow release fertilizer (5 gram) 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 there may be to little sunshine. A larger planter will allow the plant to grow larger.

• Choose a cool, shaded area for potting. It is important not to let 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 5 gram fertilizer tablets per gallon of soil before placing plant in the pot. Be careful that plant roots are not touching the fertilizer as this will burn the roots.

All Plants

• Do not fertilize.
• Prune dead foliage.

Hardy Water Lilies and Lotus

• Place container so that crown of plant is below the freeze line.

Tropical Water Lilies and Lotus

• Treat as an annual or store tuber indoors in damp sand at 45° to 50° F.

Hardly Shallow Water Plants

• Place container so that crown of plant is at least 2" to 6" below the waters surface.

Tropical Shallow Water Plants

• Treat as an annual or bring indoors as a house plant.

Whenever possible, place newly potted plants at shallow depths. Once established, move them to the proper depth, as indicated in the following chart. If your pond or water garden doesn't have a shelf to allow this, newly potted plants can be raised on bricks.

Recommended Plant Depths
These are approximate depths. The measurement is from the water level to the top of the planter.