Oxygenating plants are vital for a healthy pond ecosystem. The most effective way to introduce them is by planting them in baskets with aquatic soil or gravel.
Planting Oxygenating Pond Plants: A Step-by-Step Guide
While some weighted bunches can be dropped directly into the pond, planting oxygenating plants properly encourages better growth and prevents them from floating away. Here's how:
- Choose Your Plants: Select appropriate oxygenating plants for your pond's size and depth. Popular choices include Elodea, Ceratophyllum, and Vallisneria.
- Select Planting Baskets: Opt for pond planting baskets. These baskets have holes that allow water to circulate while containing the soil. Ensure the basket size is adequate for the plant's root system, particularly when repotting from smaller 9cm pots. Using larger pond baskets is advisable to give the plants room to grow.
- Line the Basket (Optional): To prevent soil from escaping, line the basket with burlap, hessian, or a specialized pond liner fabric.
- Add Aquatic Soil or Gravel: Fill the basket about two-thirds full with aquatic soil or gravel. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it contains too many nutrients that can cloud the water and promote algae growth.
- Plant the Oxygenator: Gently remove the oxygenating plant from its original container. Place the roots into the aquatic soil or gravel in the planting basket.
- Fill and Secure: Fill the remaining space in the basket with more aquatic soil or gravel. Gently firm the soil around the plant's base to secure it. You can also add a layer of gravel on top to prevent the soil from clouding the water.
- Lower into the Pond: Carefully lower the planting basket into the pond to the appropriate depth for the specific plant species. Many oxygenators thrive best when fully submerged.
Alternative Method: Weighted Bunches
As previously mentioned, weighted bunches of oxygenating plants can be dropped directly into the pond. However, this method is less reliable for long-term growth.
- Pros: Simple and quick.
- Cons: Plants may not root properly, can be easily moved by currents or fish, and may not survive long-term.
Key Considerations
- Planting Depth: Check the specific requirements for each plant species regarding ideal planting depth.
- Water Quality: Ensure the pond water quality is suitable for oxygenating plants.
- Sunlight: Most oxygenating plants thrive in full sun to partial shade.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the plants for excessive growth and trim as needed.
By planting your oxygenating plants correctly, you'll create a thriving aquatic environment that benefits all pond life.
