How to plant the water lily in mesh bag

Water lilies are stunning aquatic plants that add a touch of elegance to any pond or water garden. They have a unique floating appearance that adds an ethereal charm to the surroundings. If you're planning on cultivating water lilies in your pond, it's essential to ensure their proper growth and maintenance. One of the best ways to go about doing that is by planting them in mesh bags. Planting water lilies in mesh bags not only protects their roots from fish but also makes maintenance easier.

Materials Required

Before we dive into the process of planting water lilies in mesh bags, let's go through a list of the necessary materials. You'll need a mesh bag, small stones, soil, clay-based kitty litter, and, of course, a healthy water lily plant. Be sure to use a plastic mesh bag, as opposed to the traditional fabric bags or pots.

The Procedure

Here's how you can plant a water lily in a mesh bag:

Fill the Mesh Bag: The first step is to fill the mesh bag with a stone layer, enough to cover the bottom half of the bag. The purpose of the stone layer is to add weight to the bag and stabilize it at the bottom of the pond.

Soil Mixture: Next, fill the other half of the mesh bag with a prepared soil mixture. You can combine two parts of a garden soil mix with one part of clay-based kitty litter. This mixture is optimal for water lilies as it allows for adequate water drainage.

Preparation of the Water Lily: Now, prepare your water lily for planting. Remove any damaged or dead leaves and separate the rhizomes. Trim the roots to a few inches long, and then place the rhizomes into the soil mixture. Cover the rhizomes with the remaining soil mixture and carefully compress the soil, so it's firm but not compact.

Placement of Mesh Bag: It's time to place the mesh bag into the pond. Ideally, the depth of the mesh bag should be such that the water lily leaves can float on the surface of the water without touching the pond's bottom. You can fasten a string to the mesh bag's top and attach it to a heavy object to keep it in place, especially if your pond has a strong current.

Maintenance and Care

Planting water lilies in mesh bags makes maintaining their health much easier. Monitor the leaves and roots for any signs of disease or harm. Trim away any dead or yellowing leaves as soon as you spot them. Keep an eye on the spread of the leaves and remove them if they become too densely packed to promote proper air and sun exposure. If the roots outgrow the mesh bag, gently remove them from the bag, trim them, and place them back into a larger-sized mesh bag.

Conclusion

Planting water lilies in mesh bags is a practical and easy way to grow these beautiful aquatic plants in a pond. With the proper soil mixture, placement, and maintenance, your water lilies will bloom into gorgeous flowers, adding a touch of enchantment to your surroundings.