Pond plants aren't growing
Drag the line to see the before-and-after results.
Are your pond plants not growing?
Are your pond plants not growing as well as you'd hoped?
Are your plants not growing well yet? That’s normal. Due to the weather, some varieties are slow to get going, even here at our nursery.
We ship plants in a dormant state; they need a little time to "wake up" first.
Follow the tips on this page and give your plants four weeks to get off to a healthy start.
Not enough plants
If you don't have enough plants, there won't be a biological balance. Plants help each other: together, they provide oxygen, shade, and water purification.
Find out how many plants your pond needs:
Not the right plants
Using only tall or only short plants won’t work. You need a mix so that the sun is blocked, oxygen is released, and nutrients are absorbed.
Learn how to choose the right combination of plants:
Wrong soil
Lava rock, gravel, or sand might seem like a logical choice, but they don’t work. They aren’t porous and contain no nutrients. Plants and bacteria only thrive with Pond substrate.
Use the right soil for healthy plant growth:
Too much current
Plants do not grow in fast-flowing water. A pump or fountain can create too much turbulence. Calm water promotes better growth and natural filtration.
Learn how to build a pond without a pump or filter:
Plants planted too deep
Plants will only grow well if they get enough light and warmth. Planting too deep means it’s too dark. Follow the recommended planting depths listed on the label.
See the ideal planting depths for each plant species:
Plants planted too shallowly
Marsh and oxygenating plants must not be allowed to dry out. If the water is too shallow, they will quickly become slimy or die. Keep them submerged by at least 1–20 cm.
Check the correct planting depth for each plant species:
Large fish eat plants
Koi or large fish can damage plants. The solution? Protect plants with islands, crates, or a cleverly designed marsh filter.
Here's how to combine fish and plants in your pond:
Poor edge finish
Black plastic sheeting or stones along the edge heat up quickly and can suffocate the plants. With the right edging, you can keep your plants healthy and the water cool.
See how to create borders where plants will actually grow:
5 Steps to Revive Your Pond Plants
Step 1 – Place the plants properly
Loose oxygenating plants such as Ceratophyllum, Elodea and Stratiotes aloides should be placed loose in the water, at a depth of at least 20 cm. This gives them enough room to grow.
Do you use plant baskets? If so, always use our special baskets with the included materials. Do not add cloth, mesh, or pebbles—they hinder growth.
Are you using loose plugs? If so, always plant them in a 10-cm layer of porous substrate so the plants can root properly. If necessary, secure the plants with Pond clay. NOTE: Do not use lava rock, sand, or gravel, as these will cause root rot and prevent the plants from growing.
Be careful with fish such as koi or carp: they can uproot plants or eat them. So place plants in areas where these fish can’t reach them.
Step 2 – Plant the plants slightly shallower for now
The recommended planting depth is listed on the packaging and on our website, for example: -1 to -20 cm.
During the first few weeks, it’s best to plant them a little shallower, at 5 cm. This gives them extra warmth and light, helping them get off to a faster start. After that, you can easily move them to the correct depth.
Step 3 – Prepare good soil
Are your pond plants not growing well? The substrate is often to blame.
Ponds lined with liner or built in a pre-formed container lack a natural substrate. As a result, plants lack support, their roots remain weak, and they have trouble taking root.
The solution:
Spread a 10-cm layer of Pond substrate on the bottom.
- Provides support for plant roots and promotes healthy root growth
- Encourage beneficial bacteria to colonize the water and keep it clear
- Filters debris and waste from the pond water
Good soil is the foundation for strong plants and a healthy pond.
Choose your substrate size
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Pond substrate, Pond construction
STEP ONE Pond substrate
The original price was:1.800,00 1.499,95The current price is:1.499,95
Step 4 – Plant enough plants
Drag the line to see the before-and-after results.
Combine different types: oxygenating plants, marsh plants, Water lilies floating plants. Together, they complement each other and bring balance to your pond.
For inspiration: our complete pond kits include all the types of plants you need for a strong, healthy start, thoughtfully curated based on years of experience.
Complete pond kit
You can let the island float freely or secure it to the edge of the pond. Securing it to the edge is particularly wise: algae have less chance of growing there because the plants block the light and absorb the nutrients. The hardy plants come back stronger every year. Over time, the basket will become invisible, creating a natural-looking, floating marsh that both enriches and protects your pond.
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Pond Construction, Pond Kits
Complete Native Pond Kit3.000
The original price was:980,00 945,00The current price is:945,00 -
Pond Construction, Pond Kits
Complete Pond Kit Multi3.000
The original price was:985,00 950,00The current price is:950,00
Step 5 – Add the right bacteria
The substrate is the foundation, but bacteria do the real work.
They give plants a growth boost, break down waste, and maintain biological balance.
Use this combination:
- INSTA CLEAN– tackles dirt and sludge right away
- BACTA CLEAR – establishes a stable bacterial culture
💡 The water will become temporarily cloudy. This is normal. It will clear up after 10 days.
Bacteria kits tailored to your pond
So what happens then?
After four weeks:
- The plants are growing vigorously
- The bacteria are active in the substrate
- The water is clear—and stays that way
100% natural. No filters or editing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pond plants grow best with light, warmth, and sufficient nutrients in the water.
Important for healthy growth:
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A sufficient variety of plants —such as oxygenating plants, marsh plants, and Water lilies. They complement each other and create balance.
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Pond substrate – provides a firm footing for roots and allows beneficial bacteria to colonize.
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Pond bacteria – help break down waste and release CO₂, which plants use as food.
This gives your plants the best start and keeps your pond clear.
Summary: Here's what you need
Placement
Depth
Pond substrate
Aquatic plants
Pond bacteria
Want to buy everything in one go?
-
Pond Construction, Pond Kits
Complete Native Pond Kit3.000
The original price was:980,00 945,00The current price is:945,00 -
Pond Construction, Pond Kits
Complete Pond Kit Multi3.000
The original price was:985,00 950,00The current price is:950,00
Still have doubts?
Would you like more information first, or a customized plan for your pond?
Go to: vdvelde.com/pond-design
There, you can choose the type of pond you want and get advice as well as the right products.
Good luck!
Simon van der Velde
Founder & pond plant grower since 1986