How to Plant Water Plants in a Container

Water plants add a refreshing touch of nature to any indoor or outdoor space. Container water gardening is an excellent way to grow them. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant water plants in a container that you can follow to create your own beautiful water garden.

Step 1: Choose a Container

The first step in planting water plants in a container is selecting the right one. Choose a container that is deep enough and large enough to hold your plants. A good rule of thumb is to have at least five gallons of volume for each plant you intend to grow. Make sure the container does not have any drainage holes as water plants require a consistent level of water to survive.

Step 2: Add Water and Soil

The next step is to add water and soil to your container. Fill the container with water leaving some space at the top. A mixture of sand and clay soil in equal parts works well for water plants. Don’t add the soil directly to the bottom of the container but layer it on top of a piece of newspaper or cardboard to prevent it from settling at the bottom. Your water plant container should be about half-filled with soil mixture.

Step 3: Add Plants

Now it's time to add the plants to the container. You can use seeds or buy pre-grown plants from the nursery. Place the plants in the soil, making sure the roots are submerged. Water plants do well when planted close to one another, so don't worry if they are close together. You can also add some fish or snails for added visual impact and natural cleaning of the container.

Step 4: Add Gravel and Rocks

After planting, add some gravel or small stones to the top of the soil to anchor the plants in place. This will also help to prevent soil from moving around, causing cloudiness in the water. You can also add some larger rocks, which will add interest and texture to the container. Make sure to rinse the gravel and rocks before adding them to the container.

Step 5: Add Water and Fertilizer

Fill the container with water to cover the plants entirely. A growing water plant requires some form of nutrition, so adding a fertilizer is a good idea. Fish waste does provide some natural fertilizer, but you can also use slow-release fertilizer tablets, or liquid fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you don't over-fertilize your container garden.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

Finally, care and maintenance are essential for a beautiful and thriving water plant container garden. Water plants prefer full sun or partial shade, so place the container accordingly. Keep an eye on the water level, and refill it as necessary. Prune the plants when they get too big, and remove any dead leaves. Regularly clean the container using a soft brush or cloth, as algae and debris can build up over time.

Following these steps will result in a beautiful and healthy water plant container garden that you can enjoy for years to come. Happy planting!