Water lilies (Nymphaea species) are captivating aquatic plants that form the iconic floating pads often called lily pads. Their large, floating leaves provide shade, which naturally inhibits the excessive growth of algae by limiting the sunlight that reaches the water below. Water lilies also absorb nutrients from the water, which helps maintain water clarity and contributes to a healthier ecosystem for fish and other aquatic life.
Preparing Supplies and Selecting the Variety
The first step in successful lily pad planting is deciding between the two main categories: hardy and tropical water lilies. Hardy varieties are perennials that survive the winter as long as their rhizomes do not freeze, making them suitable for cooler climates. Tropical water lilies are sensitive to cold and must be treated as annuals or overwintered indoors in colder regions. Tropical lilies typically offer more vibrant colors, and their flowers are held on stalks above the water, while hardy lily flowers float directly on the surface.
Gathering the correct supplies is important. You will need a heavy-duty, wide plastic container or a specialized mesh aquatic basket, as these provide stability and allow water exchange. The planting media must be heavy and dense, ideally a clay-based loam or specialized aquatic soil. Do not use standard lightweight potting soil, as this is too buoyant and will float out of the container. Since water lilies are heavy feeders, acquire aquatic fertilizer tablets designed to be pressed into the soil, slowly releasing nutrients to the plant.
The Physical Planting Process
Preparing the plant involves trimming back any long, thick roots to about six inches and removing old or damaged leaves, leaving only the newest growth. The planting method differs based on the chosen variety. Hardy lilies grow from a rhizome, which should be planted at a 45-degree angle against the side of the container. The growing tip, or crown, must be positioned toward the center of the pot and remain exposed just above the soil line.
Tropical lilies, which often grow from a tuber, should be planted vertically in the center of the container with the crown facing upward. In both cases, the container is filled about three-quarters full with the heavy planting media, ensuring the roots are firmly secured. Press two to four aquatic fertilizer tablets deep into the soil, making sure they do not come into direct contact with the rhizome or roots, which could cause burning.
Securing the Soil
Cover the entire surface of the planting media with a layer of washed pea gravel or small stones, about a half-inch thick. This protective layer keeps the soil contained within the basket while still allowing water to flow through and reach the roots.
Placing the Container in the Water
Water lilies require a location that receives a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. They also prefer still water, so the container should be placed away from turbulent areas such as waterfalls or fountains. The initial placement depth is shallow, allowing the newly potted plant to quickly establish itself and send leaves to the surface. Submerge the container so the top of the soil is only six to twelve inches below the water surface. This shallow depth is often achieved by resting the container on bricks or an overturned bucket for a temporary platform.
Once the lily pad plant is established and producing several floating leaves, it can be gradually lowered to its final depth. Medium to large hardy varieties thrive when the top of the container is eighteen inches to two and a half feet below the water surface. Proper depth is important for temperature regulation and allows the plant’s stem to achieve its maximum length, ensuring the leaves reach the surface.
Ongoing Care and Winterizing
Water lilies are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. New aquatic fertilizer tablets should be pushed into the soil media every four to six weeks to maintain vigorous blooming. During the summer, prune dead or yellowing lily pads and spent flowers by snipping them at the base of the stem as far down as possible.
Hardy water lilies can remain in the pond, but the container must be lowered to the deepest part, ideally below the expected freeze line, to prevent the rhizome from freezing. Tropical water lilies are not frost-tolerant and must be removed from the pond before the first hard freeze. In colder climates, they are usually treated as annuals, or their tubers can be harvested, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dark, and damp environment, such as moist sand, until the following spring.