My aquatic plants are not growing well, what should I do?

My aquatic plants are not developing well, what should I do ? The first thing is to check more factors: planting depth, quality of the substrate and/or soil used, size of the baskets, varieties...

Plants have a considerable importance in the balance of the basin. They will, in a way, compete with filamentous algae by assimilating the organic matter (nitrates) present in the water. A minimum of plants is therefore required to avoid them. There are submerged, oxygenating, floating aquatic plants and many other varieties.

5 reasons that limit the development of aquatic plants in ponds?

• Pay attention to the recommended exposure of the plant (strong sunshine, planting in partial shade, etc.)
• Check the hardness of the water carefully: GH+ & KH+ / Rainwater is often water that is too soft in the pond. Acidic water can limit algae but is not necessarily good for your aquatic plants
• Pay attention to the depth, respect the planting levels (see below in the micro-guide)
• Check if there is still aquatic soil in your pot. The soil can become depleted over time and run out of nutrients. You can use a stimulant like fishtale which will improve the health of your aquatic plants.

How to plant an aquatic plant?

Here is a diagram that we can make to easily explain how to plant an aquatic plant :-) You will have to choose several elements if you want to install your aquatic plants in the best conditions:

• an aquatic plant, it goes without saying, but hey! :-)
• a basket suitable for the variety of aquatic plants (see plants here)
• the burlap (the scissors have a not, but any good gardener, yes!)
• gravel to prevent fish from attacking the basket
• soil for aquatic plants

What should be used as a substrate or aquatic soil ?

Once the pond has been developed, favorable conditions must be put in place for the growth of aquatic plants. These eliminate the harmful elements present in the water and produce oxygen. Therefore, aquatic plants are not only decorative, but also essential to the biological balance of ponds.

To achieve lush vegetative growth, a bottom substrate consisting of soil or aquatic loam , peat, and clay is required. The soil of a pond is the key to its biological balance.

1. Take a planting basket.
2. Line the inside with burlap .
3. Fill with soil suitable for aquatic plants .
4. Place the plant in the potting soil .
5. Tie the burlap around the collar of the plant.
6. Cover the burlap with large pebbles to weight down the plant and prevent fish from digging up the plant.
7. Place the basket at the indicated depth

A layer of at least 15 cm of soil is essential for water lilies and water lilies as well as for most marsh plants. To avoid any dispersion of the soil, it should be covered with a layer of fairly fine granulated substrate or a layer of previously washed gravel.

If the aquatic plants are placed in culture baskets made of synthetic material, it is advisable to use a burlap to prevent the dispersion of the compost in the water.

How to select the planting depth?

The depth of a pool must imperatively reach a minimum of 80 cm for the well-being of small fish and 1 m for large ones (koi, sturgeon, etc.). The other levels are essential for plantations. The greatest depth must cover at least 30% of the pool surface.

Reinforce with stimulant

• Fishtale : Slow-acting stimulant tablets rich in trace elements. The ideal product for your aquatic plants / The Fishtale allows you to increase the growth of your plants / Easy to use and very effective. Dosage: 2-3 tablets per group of plants, 4-5 for a lily basket. Press the tablets once a year (spring) at the foot of the plants.

• Growth Balls: Velda fertilizer balls are particularly suitable for ensuring the nutrition and fertilization of water lilies and marsh plants. The nutrients, trace elements and mineral salts they contain are immediately assimilated by the roots of these plants. This fertilizer in balls ensures the lush growth of water lilies and marsh plants. Push the fertilizer balls into the soil near the roots. This packaging is sufficient for a floor area of ​​0.5 m2 or 2 plant baskets. Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks from March to August depending on plant growth.

There are other stimulants for aquatic plants that you can find by clicking here. You can add fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks from March to August depending on the growth of the plant and the age of the soil. Some water lilies bloom best with well-enriched soil like Velda's Elite. It is an incredible quality soil.