Water lilies are aquatic plants known for their distinctive floating leaves and beautiful blossoms. Often called “lily pads,” they enhance ponds and water features. Beyond their beauty, water lilies play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems by providing shade, reducing algae, and offering habitat for aquatic life.
Understanding Water Lilies
Water lilies feature large, round leaves, typically 8 to 16 inches across, which float on the water’s surface. These leaves, known as lily pads, emerge from thick, fleshy underwater stems called rhizomes or tubers, anchored in the muddy bottom. Flowers bloom on stalks at or just above the water surface.
There are two primary categories of water lilies: hardy and tropical. Hardy water lilies endure colder temperatures and survive winter dormancy if their rhizomes do not freeze. Their flowers typically float on the water’s surface, in shades of white, yellow, and pink.
Tropical water lilies are sensitive to cold and often treated as annuals in cooler climates. They offer a wider spectrum of vibrant colors, including blues and purples, and their blooms are often held above the water on longer stalks. Tropical varieties also have scalloped or toothed leaf edges, distinguishing them from hardy lilies’ smooth-edged leaves.
Lily pads contribute to pond health by shading the water, which cools temperatures and reduces algae growth. They also offer protective cover and habitat for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic insects, fostering a balanced aquatic environment. The plants’ expansive root systems stabilize the pond’s bottom and absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality.
Cultivating Water Lilies
Cultivating water lilies begins with selecting the appropriate container and planting medium. A wide, shallow container (12-20 inches in diameter, 8-10 inches deep) is suitable. Fill it two-thirds full with heavy loam or clay soil, formulated for aquatic plants, avoiding lightweight potting mixes.
When planting, position the rhizome against the pot’s side, with the growing tip angled upwards. Cover the rhizome with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Add a layer of small rocks or pea gravel to hold the soil and prevent muddying the water. Gently lower the planted pot into the pond, allowing air to escape.
Water lilies thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Planting depth varies by cultivar, generally 6 to 18 inches of water over the pot. Young plants can start in shallower water and be gradually lowered. Water lilies are heavy feeders, benefiting from regular fertilization with slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablets inserted into the soil, typically every three to four months for hardy varieties and every two to three weeks for tropical ones during the growing season.
Maintaining Healthy Water Lilies
Ongoing maintenance is important for water lilies’ health. Regularly remove yellowing or decaying lily pads and spent blooms to encourage new growth and prevent organic matter accumulation. This pruning promotes better circulation.
Preparing water lilies for winter depends on their type. Hardy water lilies tolerate colder temperatures; remove dead leaves and spent blooms, then lower the potted plant to the deepest part of the pond to protect the rhizome from freezing. Tropical water lilies are sensitive to cold and usually need to be brought indoors or overwintered as tubers in areas with freezing winters. This can involve storing tubers in a cool, dark place or keeping the plant in an indoor aquarium.
Common issues include algae growth, managed by maintaining proper nutrient balance and adequate lily pad coverage to shade the water. Aphids are a common pest that can infest lily pads; a gentle spray of water can dislodge them, allowing fish to consume them. If nutrient deficiencies are suspected, evidenced by stunted growth or discolored leaves, adjust fertilization schedules or use specific aquatic plant fertilizers.