Planted Ponds

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Werner

Planted Ponds

Post by Werner »

[img]http://www.wernersponds.com/_borders/panamapac_small.jpg[/img]
Water Lilies
Water Depth 12" to 36" above the rim of the potting container

Hardy Lilies are the most popular since they bloom in most climates and can be overwintered outdoors as long as the pond does njot freeze solid. Tropical Water Lilies will only bloom at water temperatures of 65F or higher, Night bloomers (bloom from 4AM to 12 noon) like even higher temperatures, while the hardy species may bloom at somewhat lower temperatures depending on the variety. Use a large container (1- 3Gal or more) without holes for planting. If you cannot get an aquatic plant pot without holes, you can use a regular pot by lining the bottom with landscaping fabric such as "Weed Block(TM)", to stop the soil from flowing out of the pot. A mixture of equal parts of topsoil, not potting soil and sand is recommended.

When planting , take care not to bury the crown of the plant (see planting depth below), as it will severely retard their growth and may in some extreme cases, kill your lily. With the soil within 3" inches of the top and the crown of the plant at the top of the pot, add a 1" thick layer of sand and a 2"inch thick layer of river rock sized according to the size of fish in your pond. Koi will attempt to root out your Lilies, start with 3/4" to 1" river rock for 3" to 6" Koi and increase the size according to Fish growth.

Fertilize the lilies with an aquatic plant fertilizer such as "Once A Year Fertilizer(TM)" . Water the plant thoroughly while still out of the pond, this will stop the soil from percolating out of the pot when immersed. The plant should be immersed so 8-10" of water are above the crown of the plant. If need be, use well seasoned concrete blocks, or chimney liner tile, or plastic milk crates under the container. You can gradually move the lily down to the bottom of the pond after it is growing actively.

[img]http://www.wernersponds.com/_borders/japarrowhead_small.jpg[/img]
Bog or Marginal Plants
Water Depth: No more than 1" above the top of the plant container

Bog or marginal plants need no soil for growth and can be potted in 3/4" river rock. The preferred pots are net pots for good water circulation through the root system, but any nursery pot can be used. These plants will do well in ponds with high fish loads and they actually help keep your water clean by absorbing some of the nutrients that are produced by Fish or rotting vegetation. In general, fertilizer is not necessary nor desirable


Underwater (so called Oxygenating) Plants

Werner's does not recommend these for ponds. Our experience has shown that they consume as much oxygen at night as they produce in the daytime. Fish tend to graze on their fragile leaves, which break and clog your filter screens. If you have a large number of fish--the plants will die in short order, but your fish have had a delicious, albeit expensive salad.

[img]http://www.wernersponds.com/_borders/chawanbasu_small.jpg[/img]
Lotus
Water Depth: 1-3" above the rim of the potting container

Truly the Queen of all pond plants, but the larger varieties require large 6 to 8 foot 1 foot deep planting containers to grow well. They should be grown as bog plants with the water level being kept a constant 2 to 4 inches over the main sprout. Miniature and Dwarf species of Lotus are sometimes available and can be planted in 2 feet across containers.

The soil mixture for all Lotus should be 2 inches of well rotted cow manure on the bottom and the balance of TOP SOIL (Not potting soil) with a 1 inch layer of sand on top. Do NOT fertilize until the plant is well established and has 10 or more leaves. You can use water lily fertilizer but use only half the recommended amount for Lotus. If you receive your Lotus bare root, (shaped like a banana) you must be extremely careful not to damage the growing tip which is at one end of the tuber. Damage to the tip will cause death. The tuber must be planted with the growing tip completely out of the soil. You can anchor the tip with a rock or brick until it becomes established.

Protect the tender tips from fish, turtles etc. by encasing the plant and pot in a hardware cloth fence until it is actively growing. Most Lotus have a short flowering season, usually June and July. Growing Lotus from seed is an art and not recommended for the novice.


[img]http://www.wernersponds.com/Aphids.jpg[/img]
Insect Pests

White Flies and Aphids: May be washed into your pond with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. Borers, Leaf rollers, Stem Borers, Midges and Foliage eating worms: Diatomaceous Earth dust is the preferred method of controlling these insects. Apply with a duster that's specifically used only for the D.E., as most insecticides and their residues are deadly to fish. There are afew pests in Florida that feed off the water lily. The main culprit is the Chinese brown moth. As a caterpillar, this pest cuts scallops from the lily pad to be used as camouflage or to sail over the pond surface to other lilies. They must be removed by hand. Check carefully under leaves and on stems. Any chemicals used will prove ineffectual and may kill your fish. Snails feed on weakened or decaying leaves. This is a normal part of your pond’s eco-system. Unsightly leaves may be removed.

Note: We have left off the various insecticides such as Volck Oil Spray ( may be harmful to plants in hot weather) and Thuricide HPC ( use 3 to 4 Teaspoons per gallon with 1 Tablespoon per gallon of Murphy's Oil Soap as a wetting agent), as we have been successful using the more natural means of control outlined in the first paragraph and almost never use these chemicals unless there is severe infestation.

Caution
Insecticides, even in minute doses, can be deadly to all life and the side effects for many are unknown. Use extreme caution when handling or using any Insecticides

Do Not use used pots that have had other plants potted in them. Clay and even plastic pots will absorb insecticides and fertilizers and can be very toxic in your pond.

Do Not use new cement blocks, patio blocks or any other new stone product made from cement. Fresh cement will leach alkaline into your water when they are new and will in extreme cases, will kill your fish. If the cement item has been out in the elements or submerged for at least 1 Year, it's OK to use in your pond.

[img]http://www.wernersponds.com/tomato_plant_small.jpg[/img]
Vegetable Plants

As seen by the picture, we grow tomatoes in our ponds at the store. No soil is needed, just gravel. Our customers report success with all manner of vegetables.


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KOIBOY-greggharris
Manta Ray
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Posts: 160
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:15 pm
Location: kent, england

Post by KOIBOY-greggharris »

wow again a great insight into plants
you know your stuff don't you
koi and plant knowledge
you must have a great looking pond(s) if you have one that is
ill be looking forward to a 10'000 page book on 'The Perfect Pond' :lol:
again thanks for the info
you should talk to my mum lol you'll be talkin for days :lol:
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