Water lilies transform a pond or lake into a beautiful sight. They feature colourful flowers and floating leaves that provide a habitat for fish and other aquatic beings. You can follow this guide to learn how to plant water lily in your pond.
Choosing the Right Water Lily
Before planting, choose the right kind for your pond:
- Hardy Water Lilies
- Good for cold climates.
- Survive harsh winter as long as the pond does not completely freeze.
- Tropical Water Lilies
- Warmer water is preferred.
- Bigger scented flowers.
- Night bloomers are thus great for evening gardens.
Best Time to Plant Water Lilies
Plant water lilies in spring to early summer, as that is when water is warmer than 70°F (21°C). This will give the roots a good start before winter comes.
How to Plant Water Lily: A Simple Stepwise Guide
As you read through you will come to know how to plant water lily to make your place look aesthetic.
- Choosing a Container
- Wide and shallow containers (10-14 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep) are to be used.
- Do not use pots with holes, as they will allow soil to escape into the water.
- Choosing the Soil
- Heavy garden soil or clay soil is preferred, whereas regular potting soil floats and mucks the water.
- It must be avoided if it has too much organic matter, as this is likely to create a lot of algae.
- Planting the Water Lily Tubers
- Fill the pot with soil until it is two-thirds full.
- Place the tuber at an angle, with the growing point facing upward.
- Lightly cover it with soil, leaving the tip exposed.
- Pour some gravel on top to weigh it down.
- Adding Fertilizer
- Slowly put the fertilizer tablets in the pot around the bulb.
- Fertilize once a month during the growing period to promote plant growth.
- Submerging the Plant
- Slowly immerse the entire container into the pond, initially at a depth of 6-12 inches.
- As the plant grows, move it deeper (12-18 inches for hardy lilies, up to 24 inches for tropical).
Caring for Water Lilies
- Cleaning And Upkeep
- Remove yellow leaves and dead flowers to keep the water clean.
- Dead leaves should be trimmed back in the fall to prepare for winter.
- Winter Care
- Hardy Water Lilies: Leave in if the pond lacks complete freeze.
- Remove Tropical Water Lilies to keep indoors.
Common Problems, Causes, and Solutions
Although water lilies are easy to grow, some problems can come along:
- Yellow Leaves
Problem: Nutrient deficiency or not enough sun.
Solution: Fertilize and place them where they will receive enough sunlight to grow.
- Algae Growth
Problem: Eutrophication.
Solutions: Avoid over-fertilizing and incorporate floating plants that will feed off dissolved nutrients.
Conclusion
Learning how to plant water lily is a pleasant way to bring beauty into your pond. Choose the right variety, plant it properly, and care for it well, and you will be able to enjoy lovely flowers all season long. For quality water lily bulbs and gardening tips, trust SAIWC. Shop with SAIWC today and make your pond a beautiful place!
