Topic: Lava Rock For Pond Plant Soil

[Dianna]

I have a couple of canna growing in my little side bed and I would like to move them out to the pond garden. I am thinking about putting one of them in the pond because I don't have any pond plants in it as yet. I am wondering if I can use lava rock as the soil to keep "dirt" soil from muddying up my water? I really do like being able to see the bottom of the puddles...

[Triss]

Have no idea on that one Dianna but a canna in the water will be beautiful!

[landofoz]

If memory serves me right, lava rock is has very strange pH, it's either very alkaline or acidic, I don't remember which.  I think that if it is in contact with the water it will disturb the pH and may be harmful for fish and plants. 

My local pond store (it's a mom-and-pop business) sells this great stuff that is a lot like terra-cotta colored kitty litter.  It's supposed to have a neutral pH and works wonders for holding in plants.  Plus it has all the nooks and crannies that will grow the good poop-eating bacteria.

[barleychown]

I have also found that regular gravel, or even better pea gravel is a great growing medium for the pond plants. I personally plant cannas in soil topped with several inches of pea gravel. Very little soil escapes to the pond if you move the pot slowly, and as long as no spoiled ducks come along and dump the pot. 

[Dianna]

I haven't seen any of the "kitty litter" growing medium around here, Sarah Loo. I will keep my eyes open for it though for future reference...

Sarah (bc), I do have some potting soil and some little pebbles. Guess I can do that...

Thank you both for your input...

[bayou girl]

dianna, i got a bag of that kitty litter stuff at walmart last year.  it was just labeled as pond plant soil or something similar.  and i ended up with way more than i needed.  one word of caution though.  rinse it or wet it with the hose before you put it in your puddle.  if it is dry, it will shift and be a pain.