Growing Bog Plants

Bog plants should be planted similarly to marginal plants in individual containers of approximately one to three-gallon capacity. Some bog plants are grown in two-inch net pots, and it is recommended that you plant without removing these net pots so as not to damage the roots. Fill the pot half full with rich garden soil and use one tablet for one-gallon size pots and two tablets for two or three-gallon size pots; then continue to fill the pot with soil to about two inches from the top. Bog plants should be lowered to a depth of only one to three inches. They love moisture and are usually found at the water’s edge. Happy Aquascaping!

Growing Hardy Water Lilies

This blue water lily is an example of a hardy lily.

Hardy lilies are planted similarly to tropical lilies. Hardies grow horizontally across the aquascape, so a wide pot is necessary for planting. Plant at one edge of the container with the rhizome at a 45-degree angle and the growing tip exposed. Remember to add fertilizer, use rich garden soil, and top the soil with an inch or two of gravel or sand. The plant can be lowered to a depth of six inches, to begin with, and then lowered to a depth of 12 to 18 inches as the plant grows. Hardies should be planted in early spring. They bloom from June through September, depending on the weather, and become dormant during the colder months. As the following spring approaches, growth will begin again. For questions on growing your lilies or any other water plant, contact us here. Happy Aquascaping!

Growing Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical Water Lily

Day and night blooming, tropical water lilies should be planted in three to five-gallon pots at least 12 inches in diameter. Fill the pot half full with a rich garden soil and add two to four fertilizer tablets, then continue to fill the pot with soil to about two inches from the top. The plant should be set upright with the roots buried gently in the soil. Make sure the growing tip of the plant is not buried. Next, add an inch or two of gravel or sand in order to prevent the soil from escaping from the container. Remember to keep the gravel away from the crown of the plant. Lower the lily into the water to a depth of approximately six inches. As the plant grows, it can be lowered to a depth of 12 inches. Tropical lilies cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should not be planted until the water reaches at least 70 degrees. Planting too early can cause dormancy and restrict the potential growth of the plant. Tropicals bloom from late spring through early fall, depending on the weather. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you here. Happy Aquascaping!

Growing Oxygenating Plants

Oxygenating plants in underwater environment.

All ponds should have underwater oxygenating plants to help maintain clean, clear water. Oxygenating plants should be planted in individual containers of approximately one-gallon capacity. Fill the pot half full with rich garden soil and add one fertilizer tablet for one-gallon size pots and two tablets for two or three-gallon size pots; then continue to fill the pot with soil to about two inches from the top. Completely submerge these plants to a depth of at least 12 inches. Fertilize once per month with one tablet. Happy Aquascaping!