Introduction
Water plants are incredibly beautiful and offer numerous advantages to any water feature. Placing aquatic plants in pots and submerging them underwater makes maintenance much easier and helps control their rapid growth. However, planting aquatic plants in pots may seem a bit intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily.
What you Need
Before planting aquatic plants in a pot, there are several things you should consider. Below are the items you need:
Aquatic plants of your choice
A pot with holes for drainage
Aquatic plant soil or aquatic sand
Gravel or pebbles
Fertilizer specifically for aquatic plants
A trowel or gardening gloves
Preparing the Pot
The first thing you need to do is prepare the pot for planting. Fill the pot with either aquatic plant soil or aquatic sand. Avoid using regular garden soil as it will not hold out well in water. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and fill it about a third full with soil, sand or pebbles.
Planting the Aquatic Plants
Once the pot is ready for planting, it's time to plant the water plants. Start by removing them from their original container and gently rinse the dirt from the roots. Next, place a small amount of fertilizer at the bottom of the pot and position the aquatic plant in the middle of the pot. Add a layer of sand or soil around the plant and finish by covering the top layer with gravel or pebbles. Ensure that the plant is firmly secured in the pot, so it doesn't float when placed underwater. Repeat this process for each aquatic plant.
Submerging the Pot in Water
Now the pot is ready to be submerged in water. Choose a location in your pond or water feature that receives adequate sunlight for the plants. Ensure to place the pot deep enough in the water and secure it to keep it from moving. Once in the water, the pot will also protect the aquatic plants from fish and other aquatic animals that may feed on them.
Maintenance
It's important to maintain the aquatic plants by checking their growth regularly. Remove dead or decaying leaves and replace the water regularly to avoid the water becoming stale. Also, add fertilizer when necessary, depending on the type of plant you are growing, and observe the instructions on the fertilizer packaging.
Conclusion
Planting aquatic plants in pots makes it easier to control their growth, provides a unique feature for your garden or outdoor space, and helps maintain your pond or water feature. With the right tools and techniques, as discussed above, planting aquatic plants in pots is quite easy. Follow these steps and watch your aquatic plants grow and flourish in their new home.