Info

How to plant pond plants



Before diving into planting, it's crucial to plan your pond layout and choose the right plants for your specific conditions. Consider factors like sunlight exposure, water depth, and the size of your pond. Make sure your pond has a variety of planting zones, including shallow areas for marginal plants and deeper sections for submerged plants. Begin by selecting a variety of plants suited to your climate and aesthetic preferences. For cold regions, choose Cold Water Aquarium Plants, while outdoor ponds in the tropics will generally handle both cold water and tropical species. Try to use Australian Native Aquarium Plants as often as possible in outdoor ponds.


Planting Marginal Stem Plants:

Marginal plants thrive in shallow water along the edges of the pond. These plants include upright, bushy growing species like Persicaria decipiens or Persicaria strigosa, and trailing species like Myriophyllum papillosum 'Red Stem', Ludwigia peploides and Bacopa monnieri. To plant these, fill a pot with potting mix, and top it off with 2-3cm of pea sized gravel. Using your finger or a pencil, poke a few small holes into the substrate. Separate out the plant bunch you have purchased into individual stems and place each one into a hole, about 5cm deep. They should be spaced at least a few cm apart. Gently backfill with aquatic soil and firmly press the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets. The layer of gravel or decorative stones anchor the plants in place and prevent soil erosion. Ensure these stem plants are mostly under the water once you have planted them to prevent wilting. Once they are established these plants will grow out of the water and around the edges of the pond, depending on the species.


Planting Marginal Reed-like Plants:

Planting marginal reed-like species not only enhances the natural aesthetics of your pond but also attracts a variety of wildlife, including frogs. Species such as Cyperus sp. 'Rivulus', Schoenoplectiella articulata, Eleocharis equisetina, and Schoenus apogon thrive in shallow water, making them ideal choices for pond margins. These plants create a seamless transition from water to land, mimicking the appearance of natural wetland habitats. To plant these, fill a pot with potting mix, and top it off with 2-3cm of pea sized gravel. Using your finger to make a hole in the substrate wide enough for the roots. Place the root ball of the plant into the hole and gently backfill with soil, ensuring the crown of the plant sits slightly above the soil level. Ensure that these plants are at least half under the water once you have planted them to prevent wilting. The top half of the plant should stick out of the water.


Planting Underwater Stem Plants:

Underwater stem plants add oxygen to the water and provide habitat for aquatic life. These species are often fluffy in appearance and include plants like Myriophyllum simulans, and Hydrilla verticillata. To plant these, fill a pot with pea sized gravel and insert the stems about 5cm deep, spacing them evenly. Place the planting pot in the desired location in the pond, ensuring it's submerged to the appropriate depth for the specific plant species - generally at least 30cm deep. A partial shade position is generally best for underwater stem plants in the pond to prevent algae growth on the leaves.


Planting Floating Plants:

Free floating plants are easy to plant and provide shade, shelter, and filtration for the pond. Simply place the floating plants directly on the water's surface, spreading them out evenly to cover the surface area. As they grow, you will need to thin them out to prevent overcrowding. This group of plants includes surface floating plants like Landoltia punctata, as well as those that float just below the water surface like Ceratophyllum demersum.


Planting Rosette Plants:

Rooted floating plants and rosette plants, such as the sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera and water lilies like Nymphaea pubescens, add colour to the pond with their large flowers while providing habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. To plant rosette plants, place them in a pot filled with a mixture of half potting soil, half sand. Poke a hole into this substrate mix for the roots and position the plant in the center of the pot. Cover the roots with soil, leaving the crown exposed. Lower the pot into the pond to the appropriate depth, ensuring the leaves will float on the water's surface. Adding a layer of gravel or rocks to the top of the soil will prevent it from washing away.


Once your pond plants are planted, regular maintenance is essential to ensure they thrive. Monitor water quality parameters such as ammonia levels, and do regular water changes in the period after adding pots of soil to the pond as it will initially impact water chemistry. Prune stem plants to encourage bushy growth and prevent overcrowding. By following these planting techniques, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both aquatic life and your enjoyment of the pond.

Contact Us


Browse our range

From Alternanthera to Wolffia;
we provide a wide selection of live aquatic plants.

  • Healthy plants

  • Fast delivery

  • Cheap prices