Care Instructions

Ongoing care of your water plants -

Feed your potted water plants with slow release aquatic plant fertiliser tablets. See our order form to purchase.

Most waterplants require at least 4 hours of sunlight each day to flower well. However there are a range of plants that will perform well in shade. Refer to individual plant descriptions for details.

Water lilies will flower best in 4 - 6 hours or more of sun per day. They require deeper water than a number of other water plants. Give them 20cm of water above the surface of the pot, unless they are small varieties.

Moving water - Most marginals and water lilies do not like moving water - either from a flowing stream or pond fountains. Keep plants to the side of any moving water feature.

Annual maintenance - Remove spent flowers and dead leaves to tidy up the plant. Feed at the beginning of the growing season (generally spring) Some plants die back in winter. If the plant is in the open it is best to cut back the old growth in spring, as the old leaves will help protect the plant from frost damage.

Pond algae -
A healthy well balanced pond will be the colour of weak tea.
Do not add algaecide to your pond if you have green algae. This algae will be caused by excess nutrient in the water, particularly in spring and summer. With time a pond will become balanced with the right mix of plants, submerged plants and fish. Aim to cover 40% - 60% of the surface of your pond water with plant foliage. If you have a problem with algae it can be removed by twisting a stick or using an aquarium mesh scoop and just add it to your compost. Algaecide has been known to kill or severely damage pond plants.

Care instructions are sent with every order. Please do not hesitate to contact us by email if you ever have any queries. We are more than happy to assist you to have the water garden you love.