Annuals: Water Plants - Your Questions
How deep should I plant my water lily?
Your lily can survive with only one and a half inches of water above the crown of the plant. It will be more susceptible to adverse temperature swings in Calgary from day to night. The best location is in a quiet portion of the pool, away from any waterfalls, to a depth of eighteen inches from the bottom of the pot to the top of the water. If you follow these directions your lily will be safe even when there is a threat of frost.
What is the difference between marginal and bog plants?
There is not a major difference - marginal plants need high humidity while bog plants need wet roots. The best place for marginal plants is on the edge of the pond; bog plants should be immersed in the water depending upon variety - follow instructions for individual plants.
Do I need to fertilize my water plants?
Use pond tablets to feed your lilies at a rate of one tablet per plant per growing month. This provides the minor elements which are used up from your pond quite quickly. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, are in ample supply from your water source so there is no need to add any.
Why can’t I get my water hyacinth to bloom?
The hyacinth is a “tropical” plant which loves the heat. Unfortunately, the cool nights of Calgary are not conducive for blooming. These plants do well in crowded conditions which may help to encourage blooming.
Why are marginal / bog plants in such a small pot?
This benefits the customer. Small pots are a much more economical altenative to the expensive larger potted plants.
What type of soil do I use for my water plants?
A rich clay loam, is preferred. “Top soil” by Homestead would be the best choice for planting all your water plants into.
How many water plants should I put in my pond?
You can use one lily per 5 square feet of pond surface area, one bog plant per one square foot, and one bundle of oxygenating plants such as hornwort per 18 cubic feet (3’x3’x2’). Floaters, including surface area covered by bog and lily, can equal up to 60% of the total surface area.
Can I put water plants in a half oak barrel?
Yes, but only a maximum of one lily, one floater, such as a hyacinth, or lettuce, and one bog plant. Don’t forget to top up water lost through evaporation.
How do I control the algae?
A little amount (a thin coating) is fine but when it gets to the point where a film , or what is known as filamentous algae, has grown it is time to scoop it out. Follow the 3’x3’x2’ cubic footage space needs for the hornwort bundles in order to have enough oxygenating plants for the area. Have the water pass through a filter system, which is maintained, skim off the garbage from the top to keep the surface as clean as possible, and if you have fish don’t overfeed.
What do I do with the plants when winter comes?
If the pond is to be drained at the end of the season and all the bog plants and lilies are in their own containers make sure you leave the plants in their own containers. Floaters and oxygenators are not in containers so they’ll need to be treated differently.
A) Lilies- Lift the entire plant, pot and all, and place in a dark, plastic bag. Store the lily in the bag in a cool location, with the bag slightly draped closed not twist-tied shut. Place moist sphagnum moss around the crown of the plant, on the soil surface. Keep this moss wet, checking at least every two to three weeks. Once the foliage has died back, remove. Keep in this location until March of the following year. At this time place in bucket of water and cover one and a half inches above the crown. Give the plant a pond tablet. Bring into a higher light, warmer location. Place into pond when frost is unlikely at a minimum depth 18”.
B) Bog plants once lifted out of the pond can be “heeled-in”, which is digging a trench deep enough to cover the pot up to four inches above the crown of the plant. Backfill the trench after soaking the roots, leave the foliage on the plants until they are totally brown and dead, then remove. In the spring dig up once the soil has thawed and bring into a warmer and brighter location. Water well, and keep them standing in a saucer, which is constantly filled with water.
C) Marginal plants which can be planted along the edge of the pond will need a four inch mulch layer after being well watered before the big freeze of winter sets in. Their survival will depend upon the plants’ hardiness zone.
D) Floaters, water hyacinth and lettuce, will need to be brought in before they are touched by frost. To over-winter they will need to have their free-floating root system planted into ‘top soil’, and placed in a high light window, south preferred for the winter months.
E) Hornwort- the best place for it to over winter if the pond is to be drained is in an aquarium type setting with 12-14 hours of flourescent light a day.
