The roots of water lilies are completely surrounded by water. This also places special demands on the plant substrate. If chosen carelessly, exuberant growth will manifest itself differently than we hoped. Nevertheless, no expensive special substrate from the trade has to be used.

Sand and clay make the substrate heavy so it doesn't float

How a substrate should not be

The substrate in which aquatic plants such as water lilies are planted must not be too fine. Then it is flushed out from the planting site and clouds the pond water. However, it is particularly important that it is not too nutritious. It is the unwanted algae that absorb nutrients quickly and can multiply explosively in combination with warm temperatures.

For this reason, the substrate for water lilies must not consist of conventional pond soil. No compost should be added to it either, as this can lead to rot. Other organic fertilizers should also be used with caution.

The ideal composition

There are different recommendations when it comes to mixing water lily substrate yourself. For ecological reasons, however, we should refrain from all proposals that include peat. We therefore propose the following components:

  • 50% garden soil
  • 35% sand
  • 15% clay

Fertilize the water lily by adding fertilizer cones to the substrate, which ensure the initial supply of nutrients. Since the nutrients are released gradually and in the immediate vicinity of the roots, they benefit the water lily in a targeted manner and almost exclusively.

Use pure gravel as substrate

Some pond owners prefer to plant their water lilies without soil. They only use gravel and have good experiences with it. It is important that it is a low-lime type of stone, such as granite. The grain size should also be between 2 and 4 mm.

Every pond is different

Each pond is its own ecological system that can always react differently. You should therefore monitor the further development after planting. In this way you can find out whether the substrate mixture is suitable or whether the composition should be changed the next time the rose is repotted or even earlier.

Category:

Vegetable garden