Table of Contents
Planting Water Lilies Plant your water lilies in a wide-mouthed, squat pot with regular garden soil and sink it in your pond. Aquatic pots have no drainage holes. (A pot with holes is an invitation to fish to nibble on roots.) Get a large enough pot so that your plant doesn’t need to be re-potted for a few years.
Can you plant water lilies in deep water?
The size of the pot depends on the water lily variety you’re growing, but a good general indication is to plant a large variety into a squat pot 20 to 25 centimetres in diameter. Most do well in water about 30 to 60 centimetres deep. Miniature varieties even do well in shallow conditions.
What is the maximum depth for water lilies?
Water lilies can be submerged 6-18 inches deep. It is best to lower the container gradually in the water as the water lily begins to grow, something easily accomplished by raising the container on bricks and gradually removing the bricks over time. Be aware that initial depth can influence growth, however.
How deep should a water lily pond be?
When choosing a waterlily for your pond, make sure you select the most appropriate size. Typically, large waterlilies should sit 75cm below the surface; medium waterlilies 50cm below and small waterlilies 20cm below. If you plant them too deeply they will fail to flower, too shallow and they will die.
Can you plant water lilies without soil?
Planting plants into a pond without soil can be done successfully in any sized pond. Common plants that are planted into ponds without soil are floating plants, such as water lilies, which are embedded into the pond’s bed, and marginals, which are planted along the edge of the pond in the shallow water.
Can you plant water lilies in gravel?
Do not cover the growing point of water lilies with soil or gravel. Day and night blooming- tropical water lilies should be planted in pots at least 10″ in diameter (a smaller container will result in a smaller plant). Remember to keep the gravel away from the crown of the tuber.
How do I plant ponds in a deep pond?
Place plants directly in to a potting mix designed especially for pond plants. Normal potting mixes are not suitable for pond plants as they are too high in fertilisers that will cause algae in the pond. Whilst potting, place a pond plant fertiliser tablet into the mix.
Can I put water lilies in my pond?
These aquatic plants look beautiful in water gardens large and small. In addition to their beauty, a few water lilies can also help keep a backyard pond healthy; the shade they provide helps shelter fish and keep the water looking crystal clear by preventing algae from growing.
Will water lilies take over a pond?
Lily pads may look aesthetic, but they can quickly become invasive and take over a pond or lake system. Lily pads are often viewed as a positive and beautiful part of aquatic ecosystems.
What soil do you plant water lilies in?
Plant into a heavy loam, free from chemicals. Don’t use light, sandy soil, chalky soil. NEVER use peat based potting composts or add peat to the soil. If your own garden soil isn’t suitable we recommend Westland Aquatic Compost which is available from most good garden centres.
Do water lilies need repotting?
Like all potted plants, water lilies need repotting from time to time. Find out how to do it, in our How-to guide. Spring is the ideal time to repot fleshy water lilies into slightly larger pots, helping them to grow better. Repot water lilies when you see signs of regrowth after winter.
What soil do water lilies need?
Practically Perfectly Planted Water Lilies Most lilies should be planted into a 10ltr basket. Step 2 – Plant into the heavy soil-based loam, free from chemicals and with no added peat or other vegetable matter. Neither light, sandy soil, chalk nor raw clay is suitable. NEVER add peat or compost to the soil.
How do you grow water lilies in a fish pond?
Place the water lily in the middle of the container and fill around it with soil until the whole root system is covered. Add a thick layer of coarse sand which will stop the soil from being washed away. Add a layer of coarse gravel to hold everything in place and stop the fish from pulling the plants out.
Do water lilies oxygenate a pond?
Not only do they oxygenate the water, but they also keep toxin levels in check. Water lilies are a good oxygenator, too. Besides, they’re really pretty! Keep in mind, when you’re out caring for your pond and get hungry, you can always munch on some watercress, although it’s best to cook it thoroughly before ingesting.
Do you put soil in a pond?
Putting your pond plants in special aquatic baskets is better than adding a layer of soil all over the bottom of pond. Too much soil creates an excess of nutrients, which can encourage algae. Within the pond you need a mixture of plants at different levels.
When should I put water lilies in my pond?
Waterlilies are best planted from mid to late spring to mid-summer. Plants are best grown in aquatic planting baskets, and plants bought from aquatic centres will normally come pre-planted in one and ready to submerge in the water. If not, choose the right size for the plant’s size and vigour.
What do water lilies do for a pond?
Besides being pleasing to the eye, water lilies do a great deal to maintain the well-being of the ponds they inhabit. For one, they provide shade to keep the water temperature down during the hot summer months. By blocking out a lot of sunlight, the lilies help to keep the algae growth down.
