The recommended planting media for use inside Aquascape Heavy Duty Aquatic Planters is Aquascape Pond Plant Potting Media, a professional-grade, all-natural substrate specifically developed to support aquatic plant health and performance. Unlike garden soils or standard potting mixes that often contain peat, compost, or organic matter that can cloud the water or harm water quality, this media is composed of 90% loamy sand and 10% expanded lightweight clay aggregate—a blend that offers optimal drainage, structure, and stability in submerged environments.
Harvested from natural lake and stream sediment deposits, this alluvial planting media is rich in beneficial mineral content while remaining completely non-toxic and safe for fish and other aquatic life. The media effectively secures pond plants, resists compaction, and promotes healthy root growth by maintaining high porosity and excellent oxygen flow within the planter. This leads to vigorous, lush plant development and significantly increases flowering potential, making it ideal for both marginal and deep-water species.
To further enhance plant performance, Aquascape Once-a-Year Plant Fertilizer should be added during planting. This slow-release, granular formula delivers season-long nutrition directly to the root zone without leaching into pond water, supporting consistent foliage growth and vibrant blooms. This potting media and fertilizer combination creates a clean, safe, and high-performing planting environment for any pond or water garden installation.