Comments for Dragonfly Aquatics Blog

Comment on Salvinia by dragonfly

dragonfly — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:38:16 +0000

You might try checking the minerals in your water. This could be causing the problems with your lilies. Also waterlilies like still water so the splashing from the fountain wouldn’t be good. If you can try moving them to an area where the water won’t splash them. Some fish do eat the roots from water hyacinths and this will cause them to die back. You could take a few out of your pond and put them in a container of water until the roots grow back and then put them back in your pond in the protectors. Add alittle fertilizer like miracle grow to the water to help them grow quicker. Hope this helps.

Comment on Salvinia by Theresa L

Theresa L — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:45:17 +0000

Hi. I have 2 hardy water lilies that are producing leaves well but when they get full and floating, they start turning black and rot. I planted them in good garden media recommended by pond sites and check my water all the time. Any ideas of what is causing this? my fountain and spitter splatters the leaves some and I wondered if this could cause the problem. my pond is 4 x 8 and I have hyacinths too that the fish have pulled most of the roots off and they are also turning brown. I have put them in the floating plant protectors to try to save them. Any suggestions will be helpful.

Comment on Dwarf Papyrus by dragonfly

dragonfly — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:19:14 +0000

Hi Julie….just use a clay dirt just like your would use for a water lily. I usually use at least a 2 gallon container. Place them in your pond with just a inch or two of water above the top of the container. They are really easy to grow. Thanks!

Comment on Dwarf Papyrus by Julie

Julie — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:55:14 +0000

Hi I just bought two dwarf giant papyrus and was wondering how to plant them in containers? What kind of soil do I use? how big a container? I know nothing about these but I just loved the look. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you, Julie

Comment on Planting Soil for Aquatic Plants by dragonfly

dragonfly — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:12:39 +0000

Red clay is fine. Whether its gray or red makes no difference as pond plants like clay soil the best. Thanks

Comment on Planting Soil for Aquatic Plants by 27Goldfish

27Goldfish — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:12:30 +0000

Stupid question. Can I use 100% red clay? From what I read, clay is the best. Just wanting to make sure before I do this!!

Comment on Essential Summer Pond Care by Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:12:32 +0000

Talking about plants outgrowing their containers, my lilies have roots growing up the stems! Can you divide lilies? Should I just put them in a larger container? I want to keep as much of the surface covered that I currently have due to the extreme TX heat. What is your suggestion?

Comment on Customer’s Paradise by Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:17:22 +0000

How beautiful! The site is so clean and well planted. I really admire the mix of colors and textures in this pond. What a great job!!

Comment on Green Menace by dragonfly

dragonfly — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:32:11 +0000

I use Algaefix in my pond and have no problem with my snails or fish.

Comment on Achieving Pond Nirvana – Six Plants For Your Pond by dragonfly

dragonfly — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:30:27 +0000

Hi Michael, In all the literature that I have read submerged plants are somehow anchored to the bottom of your pond but I know of no reason why they can’t float in the water as long as you are getting the same result from them. The purpose of submerged plants is to aid in creating and maintaining an ecosystem suitable for fish and aquatic life plus they draw nutrients directly from the water, abosorbing nitrates and phosphates through their leaves as well as their roots. They are important to water quality and clarity. They help filter unwanted nutrients and add important oxygen to the water during the day. Then at night the plants reverse the process and remove oxygen from the water helping to keep your water at an equal balance. Most either put anchors on them and drop them to the bottom of their pond, put them in a basket and either fill it with sand or small stones to keep the plants contained and put the basket on the bottom of the pond. I would say if it works your way and you don’t mind them floating around then let it be. There really isn’t any reason why they have to be anchored as long as they are doing the job.