Substrates, fertilizers and flower pots for a garden pond

⚙️ HOW SUBSTRATES WORK - FERTILIZERS
1️⃣ Substrates

They provide a stable foundation and nutrients for plant roots.

The type of substrate affects:

the supply of minerals (potassium, phosphorus)

the flow of water around the roots

the anchoring of plants

2️⃣ Fertilizers

They supply micro and macro elements necessary for healthy growth:

nitrogen (N) - leaf growth

phosphorus (P) - root formation and flowering

potassium (K) - overall plant vitality

They work through substrate tablets or liquid fertilizers.

3️⃣ Flowerpots and baskets

They allow controlled growth and easy manipulation of plants.

They prevent the dispersion of substrate into the pond and excessive water pollution.

They help with overwintering plants, easier replacement and transplanting.

🏠 REQUIREMENTS
🌞 Light

The substrate and the pot do not require light, but the plant in them does.

Make sure that the location of the plant meets its requirements.

💧 Water

The substrate should be stable but permeable to water.

Fertilizers must be soluble but not harmful to fish and microorganisms.

🌱 Maintenance

Substrate: enrich or replace once every 2–3 years.

Fertilizers: dose regularly according to the type of plant and the growing season.

Flower pots: check the root system so that it does not take root too much.

🧱 TYPES OF SUBSTRATES, FERTILIZERS AND FLOWER POTS
🌿 Substrates

Clay substrate - rich in nutrients, suitable for flowering plants.

Peat and peat mixtures - ideal for marsh plants.

Sand and gravel – promotes drainage, suitable for aquatic plants.

🌿 Fertilizers

Tablets for pond plants – gradually released directly into the substrate.

Liquid fertilizers – for a quick supply of nutrients, suitable for flowering.

Organic fertilizers – e.g. compost, hydroponic fertilizers, suitable for the ecosystem.

🌿 Flower pots and baskets

Plastic flower pots – lightweight, water-resistant, various sizes.

Ceramic flower pots – aesthetic, but heavier, can crack in frost.

Plant baskets – allow for substrate control, resistant to fish and water flow.

🩺 IMPACT ON POND HEALTH
POSITIVE

✔️ healthy and stable plant roots
✔️ reduction of water pollution
✔️ support of flowering and growth
✔️ control of plant quantity and density

NEGATIVE

❌ unsuitable substrate → root rot
❌ excessive fertilization → increase in algae
❌ poor-quality flowerpot → substrate leakage into the water

🦠 FREQUENT PROBLEMS

Root rot due to overfertilization or incorrect substrate

Excessive algae growth due to incorrect fertilizer dosage

Flowerpots break down in frost or UV radiation

Substrate migration into the pond → turbid water

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ controlled plant growth
✅ healthy roots and abundant flowering
✅ reduction of water pollution
✅ easy transplanting and maintenance

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ need for regular checking and replenishing nutrients
❌ poor quality materials can damage the pond
❌ excessive fertilization → algae problems

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE

Type of plants – mud vs. submerged vs. floating.

Substrate – nutrient-rich for flowering plants, sand for roots.

Fertilizers – slow tablets for long-term effects, liquid for quick effect.

Flower pots – size and material according to depth and type of plants.

Maintenance – whether you will replenish nutrients regularly or prefer low maintenance.

📌 Tip: a combination of substrate, fertilizers and flower pots will ensure a healthy, abundantly flowering and aesthetic pond with a minimum of problems.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Use a substrate specifically designed for pond plants

Dosage fertilizers according to the manufacturer's instructions and the type of plant

Check flower pots during the winter - plastic ones are more durable, ceramic ones can crack

Use baskets when planting plants to prevent the substrate from scattering

📌 SUMMARY

Substrates, fertilizers and flower pots are the basis of a successful pond.
The right combination:

promotes plant growth and flowering,

reduces the risk of algae,

stabilizes the ecosystem and water quality,

makes plant maintenance and control easier.