Plants in a water garden are so easy!  They are completely
fool proof, as long as there is sufficient water.  In South Florida, there are four categories of plants that we can put in our ponds or container water gardens.  They are: Tropical Water Lilies, Marginal or Bog plants, Floating plants, and Oxygenating plants. Each will be addressed in separate articles.

Tropical Water Lilies:  These are the kings and queens of the water garden, giving beauty 365 days a year here, as long as they are placed where they get full sun.  Be sure to buy a tropical lily, and if you are buying them growing and blooming, and not in a bag, then you are most likely buying a tropical.  The other kind of lily is called a “hardy” lily, and these are only suitable where there are winter freezes.  They will still go dormant here, and for 6 months of the year be asleep at the bottom of your pond, during OUR
best months to be outside.  Not a good choice.  So, make the investment in at least one fabulous Tropical Water lily.

I like to use small pea gravel to pot my aquatic plants with.  Over the years I have tried many things, but pea gravel gives weight, holding roots firmly, and doesn’t muddy the waters.  I also use clay pots because they are permeable, able to absorb nutrients from fish waste, so fertilizing isn’t necessary once a pond/container is established.  I find that the cheap “feeder” goldfish are great to use in ponds, because they tolerate the extremes in temperatures we often have, and grow up into beautiful specimens.  Don’t
over stock with fish, as too much nutrient in the water will
cause an algae bloom (pea soup).  Also, it isn’t necessary to feed your fish, as they will eat the mosquito larvae and algae.  Uneaten food is often a cause for algae growth.

When potting your lily, be sure to keep the crown (where all the leaves come together at the base), slightly above the gravel and place the potted lily no deeper than 6-9 inches below the surface of the water, (even 3 inches or less is sufficient, as long as the crown is covered by at least an inch or two, but you will have to be aware of evaporation). If your pond is deep, you can boost it by using a few bricks or an over turned pot to get it at the appropriate depth.  If planted too deep, they will not bloom during the winter when the water gets cold. As long as the water stays warm (and it always is at the surface), these darlings will keep on blooming!

A key factor in growing water lilies is sunlight.  It is imperative that they receive at least 5 hours of direct sun, and all day is preferable for best performance.  Also, they will not grow anywhere near turbulent waters, such as waterfalls, or strong pumps.  They are still water growers.

Properly planted, a pond or water feature will not need a pump or filter.  It’s all about balancing.  If your pond surface is covered at least 50 percent by plants, then you will avoid algae and provide sufficient oxygen for your fish.

It’s normal for the outer leaves to turn yellow and deteriorate; simply groom them off and add them to the compost pile, or throw under some shrubs.

Ponds are so interesting to watch, because everything has its purpose and place, and when balanced, they are the easiest kind of garden to have. Water lilies make them extraordinary.