Compost for aquatic plants
The right substrate: plants that root well, water that stays clear.
In short: aquatic compost is a specific substrate — heavy and deliberately low in soluble nutrients. It feeds pond plants through the roots without releasing nitrates and phosphates into the water, i.e. without feeding the algae.
Why a special pond compost?
Ordinary garden soil is rich in soluble fertiliser and partly floats: in a pond it clouds the water and triggers an algae bloom. Aquatic compost avoids both, thanks to its heavy, clay-like texture and its low soluble-nutrient content.
How to use it
- Fill an openwork pond basket with the compost.
- Set the plant and firm gently.
- Cover the surface with a layer of gravel or pebbles: this holds the substrate down and stops fish stirring it.
- Gradually lower the basket to the depth suited to the species.
How much do I need?
Work out the volume of the basket to fill. The 4-litre size suits a few small baskets or a marginal plant; the 8-litre size suits a water lily in a large basket or several plantings at once.
AnimalParadise expert tip: resist the urge to add fertiliser just to help. In a pond, excess nutrients feed the algae first, not your plants. The finishing layer of gravel is the real secret to water that stays clear after planting.
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