Purchasing Bare Root vs. Potted

One of the drawbacks with purchasing online is that plants that are shipped bare root often struggle to survive and establish. Although potted plants may cost twice as much, you will also receive a plant that is twice as large.  It will also be hardier and easier to establish into its new garden environment.  Small plants such as parrot feather and anacharis are always shipped bare root, but plants such as tall uprights (such as elephant ear and water iris) are shipped either potted or bare root.  Bottom line is that it all depends on the weather, climate, and your own comfort level whether you should choose a bare root plant or a potted plant.  Most plants sold in my eBay store are bare root, but I all plants sold in my website store will arrive potted.  

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Sunburned Pond Plants

Sunburned Pond Plants 
Some plants grow well in full sun, while the same plant may grow better in part sun in a different region. Sometimes it depends on the plant maturity. Younger plants are more vulnerable to plant burn than a mature pond plants. Water Lotus, for example, grows better in part sun when it is a seedling. Plants with dark colored leaves oftentimes get sun burned, such as this Australia Water Canna. After I moved mine into part sun, it grew great and even produced flowers.

Shade Cloth:  Another option for hot dry climates is to hang a nursery shade cloth over the pond.  The ones sold at the hardware store are 75% shade, which is too shady.  Shade cloth for plants should be 30%-40% shade and can be purchased online.  Not only will it protect your plants from sunburn, but it will protect your fish from predatory birds and will help reduce algae growth as well. 

So if your pond plants are starting to look brown and shabby, try moving them into a more sheltered part of your garden or hang a shade cloth overhead. It might be all you need.