How to Care for Lilies in a Koi Pond
Koi ponds offer a peaceful escape from a busy world. The graceful koi glide in and out of hideaways formed by rocks and stones and the greenery that adorns the ponds. Lilies are a lovely addition to the flora of koi ponds. They enhance the serene environment, but they require the right kind of care so that they remain healthy and attractive. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Perforated planting basket
- Clay loam soil
- Large pebbles
- Fertilizer tablets
Instructions
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Start your pond lilies off right by potting them in a perforated planting basket with a clay loam soil. Make sure your koi pond has plenty of sunlight.
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Sink the cylindrical tuber into the dirt at an angle, leaving the crown end above the soil line. The roots will grown beneath the crown, and the stems, leaves and flowers will grow above. Fill the planting basket with soil to within an inch from the top.
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3
Anchor your lilies in the planter dirt by pressing a layer of pebbles into the top inch of the planter. If you were planting your lilies in a pond without fish, small pea gravel would do, but, since the koi can uproot the lilies, you need a heavier rock layer for the plant's protection.
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4
Lower the planting basket's level in the pond as your lilies begin to grow. Begin with the shoots just a few inches underneath the water. Lower your lilies over time, to a final foot or foot and a half beneath the water surface. This gradual acclimation to deeper water allows for more sun exposure to grow stems, leaves and a healthy root system.
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Fertilize your water lily with special tablets made specifically for your water plants. Push them into the soil around the plant every month, from spring to autumn.
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Divide overgrown lilies and re-pot them in separate containers. Divide the plant between any new shoots or between clumps of roots, leaving a healthy amount of root on each side.
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Tips & Warnings
Some lilies will be safe in the water over the winter, especially in warmer climates. When you purchase your water lilies, ask about the hardiness of your particular plants. If they need to be removed from the pond, place them in a cool environment during their dormant period in the winter, such as a basement. Re-pot them in the spring.
If your koi pond is large, expect to have to wade into the water to plant or tend to your lily baskets. Invest in waterproof waders if you plan to do this often.
References
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