Water Lily: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Water Lilies

Water lilies, belonging to the genus Nymphaea, are among the most enchanting aquatic plants commonly found adorning the surface of the waters in a range of colors.

Prevalently grown in North America, they are often found in slow streams, ditches, or the hearth of a tranquil pond. These hardy plants offer shelter and sustenance to myriad aquatic species, epitomizing the perfect balance of the ecosystem.

The petals, painted in hues of pink, yellow, and more, unfurl on the surface of the water, anchored by the strength of stems firmly planted in the base.

The leaves, better known as lily pads, form an impressive shield over the water surface, providing a natural sanctuary for the aquatic life underneath. Lily pads also function as a landing strip for bees that are lured by the fragrant flowers, facilitating a thriving pollination process.

Native to the Americas, there are hardy and tropical water lilies available for cultivation. The fragrant water lily, a popular native species, is known for its fragrant flowers bursting with yellow stamens.

On the other hand, the stunning hybrid water lily, created by cross-breeding different Nymphaea species, stands above many aquatic plants because of its exceptional beauty and vigor.

Water lilies are often sold as bare-root plants or potted in a special mix of gravel and peat moss. For the home gardener, growing lilies in a pot allows for better control over the plant’s growth and health.

Care should be taken not to use pesticides, as they can harm the beneficial insects and fauna that take shelter in the water lily’s ecosystem.

As a master gardener, I’ve been fascinated by water lilies for decades. In this complete guide, I’ll share with you how to plant, grow, and care for water lilies properly.

Botanical Name: Nymphaea spp.

Common Name: Water Lily

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Plant Type: Aquatic perennial

Hardiness Zones: 3-11

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy

Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

Maturity: 2-3 years

Height: Varies by species, typically 1-6 feet

Spacing: 3-6 feet

Bloom Time: Summer to early autumn

Flower Color: Various shades of white, pink, yellow, or red

Native Area: Worldwide, primarily in temperate and tropical regions

Water Lily Plant Care

Well-loved for their fragrant flowers and lily pads, water lilies (Nymphaea spp), are prized aquatic plants native to the Americas, specifically North America.

They are hardy plants that can adapt to various environments, from slow streams to ditches and ponds, and flaunt their beautiful petals in a range of colors from pink to yellow.

Plant your bare-root plants or potted lilies in pots filled with a mix of gravel and peat moss at a 45-degree angle to let the leaves stretch out to the surface of the water.

Ensure they receive adequate sunlight and are sheltered from harsh weather conditions or the harmful effects of pesticides.

Whether you are growing a hybrid water lily or a tropical water lily, remember that bees play a vital role in their pollination, transferring pollen from their vibrant yellow stamens.

Maintaining the right balance of water, sunlight, and soil will keep your water lilies blooming brightly all season long.

Light

Water lilies flourish under the right light conditions. As aquatic plants, they require a consistent amount of bright light to flourish and exhibit their range of colors on their beautiful petals.

Regardless if they are pink water lilies of North America, yellow hybrid water lilies of the Americas, or the fragrant lilies that grow in ditches and slow streams, they need full sunlight for at least six hours a day.

These smart beauties understand their need for light, so if you notice your water lily leaves, commonly called lily pads, reaching towards the surface of the water at a 45-degree angle, it is trying to get as much light as it can.

The effect of light on the lilies is not to be underestimated as it plays a considerable role in the plants’ hardy nature and the production of fragrant flowers, attracting bees with their yellow stamens loaded with pollen.

Soil

Water lilies naturally thrive in a range of soils found around slow streams, ditches, and ponds across North America and the Americas. These fragrant water lilies prefer heavy clay or loamy soil which is rich in nutrients.

Organic matter like peat moss can be added to your pot to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth. Hybrid water lilies and Tropical water lilies also enjoy slightly acidic soil.

Always remember to acclimate the pot at a 45-degree angle to permit leaves and lily pads to reach the surface of the water more easily.

Water

Being adaptively hardy, water lilies thrive in a variety of habitats, ranging from slow streams to ditches and even sluggish ponds. These lilies require a water surface as it’s where the leaves and lily pads form a protective shelter.

They prefer still or slow-moving water, hence their common presence in ponds and ditches. Despite their hardy nature, they cannot endure prolonged periods of drought, thus it’s crucial to ensure their environment maintains a consistent water level.

The perfect depth varies between 18 and 24 inches to allow the plant ample room to absorb water and other necessary nutrients.

Temperature and Humidity

Water lilies thrive best in a wide range of temperatures, though they are particularly hardy in regions typical of North America.

Tropical water lilies appreciate warm water temperatures between 70°F and 85°F, while hardy lilies can tolerate a broader spectrum from 50°F to 86°F.

As for humidity, water lilies, being aquatic plants, naturally appreciate high levels. This trait ties them closely to their native habitat – slow streams, ponds, and ditches throughout the Americas.

However, too much saturation can lead to fungal issues, thus it is crucial to ensure the surface of the water doesn’t remain stagnant and that there’s good air circulation around the leaves, petals, and especially the fragrant flowers.

Fertilizer

Water lilies have specific feeding requirements to maintain their vibrant range of colors. As bare-root plants, they need to be potted in rich soil composed of gravel and peat moss providing proper nutrient balance.

A slow-release aquatic fertilizer is often beneficial. The slow streams of nutrients prevent any sudden boost that may benefit algae more than the lilies themselves.

Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can encourage pests and require the use of pesticides, which can harm beneficial pond dwellers like bees.

It’s key to remember that nourishment is significant for the growth of those fragrant water lily flowers and shiny lily pads that offer shelter to numerous aquatic creatures.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to maintain the beauty and health of the water lily (Nymphaea spp). To maximize blooming, regularly remove spent flowers and yellow leaves at a 45-degree angle from the base of the plant.

Be mindful to cause minimal disturbance to the lily pads floating on the surface of the water. Removing plant debris reduces the chances of disease and also discourages pests.

When the growing season comes to an end, trim back hardy lilies to just above the base, but leave any healthy foliage on tropical water lilies as they may continue to grow.

For best results, bare-root plants before the first frost but leave them in their pots over winter. In the spring, trim off all dead and damaged parts and transfer the lilies back into their pond or slow stream.

Overwintering

Wintering water lilies is a meticulous task that requires a precise approach. The pond in which the lilies dwell should neither freeze entirely nor have moving ice beneath the surface of the water.

Hardy water lilies can survive on the pond floor if the water doesn’t freeze to the bottom. While tropical water lilies, common especially in the southern parts of North America, need to be lifted, bare-root plants should be stored in a mixture of peat moss and water inside a pot at temperatures around 45 degrees.

They may be repositioned in the pond once the first flush of leaves appear on the surface of the water in springtime.

Types of Water Lily

Nymphaea Odorata (Fragrant Water Lily)

The nymphaea odorata, also known as the fragrant water lily, is a hardy, native aquatic plant of North America. Exhibiting striking, fragrant flowers with white to pink petals opening on the surface of the water from June to September, it provides a banquet for bees with its heavy pollen yield.

The fragrant water lily also displays characteristic shiny-green, round leaves, or lily pads, that float on the water, providing shelter for aquatic life below.

Best grown in slow streams, ponds, or ditches, N. odorata flourishes in full sun and prefers a rich loamy soil, though it is also tolerant of a range of conditions.

‘Peaches and Cream’

‘Peaches and Cream’ is a vibrant hybrid water lily. This aquatic plant, a staple in many water gardens across the Americas, features exceptional peach-pink flowers that mingle softly with cream, with hints of yellow at the center, flaunting striking yellow stamens.

Known for its hardy nature, it blossoms from July through September and thrives in a pot submerged in a pond or lazy stream. Its lily pads offer evergreen shelter to fishes and frogs while the fragrant flowers draw bees for pollination.

‘Pink Beauty’

Celebrated for its abundant pink blooms, the ‘Pink Beauty’ is a tropical water lily that adds a mesmerizing splash of color to any pond.

Its delicate, fragrant flowers with extended petals dance on the surface of the water, contrasting with the rich green of its circular lily pads.

Adaptable and vigorous, ‘Pink Beauty’ favors sunny locales and prefers placid water bodies like ponds and ditches.

‘Sunny Pink’

‘Sunny Pink’ is an exquisite variety of the nymphaea family, native to North America. Showcasing radiant pink flowers with yellow centers, it lives up to its name, embodying the brightness of a sunny day.

It’s a notable pollen producer, making it a favorite among bees. This hardy plant flourishes in shallow aquatic environments, its lily pads creating visually appealing patterns on the water surface.

‘Attraction’

Breaking the color monotony in your pond, the ‘Attraction’ variety of water lily offers a remarkable contrast with its intense red flowers edged in bright pink.

The yellow stamens punch up the center, making this hybrid water lily a visual feast. Its floating round leaves or lily pads offer a sheltering canopy to fishes and other aquatic creatures.

Thriving best in slow-moving or still water bodies, ‘Attraction’ is a fragrance powerhouse, attracting pollinators like bees to its alluring scent.

How to Grow Water Lily From Seed

Preparing the Seed Pot

To begin planting your water lily seed, start by picking a suitable pot. A good-sized clay pot with a broad base makes an ideal choice. Prepare the pot by filling it two-thirds full with a mixture of gravel and peat moss.

This will ensure the roots of the lily pads have a solid foundation to anchor and nutrient-rich environment. Ensure the rough surface of the pot’s soil is slanting at a 45-degree angle, where your bare-root plant will be placed.

Planting the Seed

Once your pot is prepared, you’re ready to add your water lily seed. The placement of the seed is paramount, as it needs to be embedded near the surface of the soil to ensure their optimal growth.

Water lilies enjoy the warmth of the sun, so planting them shallow helps the seed leaves receive plenty of light.

Moving to the Water

After planting the seed, it’s time to place your water lily in its aquatic habitat. The ideal location is a sluggish stream, a ditch, or a still pond with a little movement. Place your pot so that the top is just beneath the surface of the water.

Caring for the Water Lily

Water lilies are easy to care for once established. These fragrant flowers are a popular stop for bees, which help pollinate the plants. The yellow stamens contain pollen, essential in producing the next generation.

However, be conscious of the use of pesticides in the vicinity of these plants, as they can harm the visiting bees and the water lilies themselves.

With time, your lilies will propagate across the surface, providing a splendid display and a shelter for aquatic wildlife.

Encourage balanced growth by pruning dead or overgrown lily pads occasionally. By following these steps, you’ll soon enjoy a wonderful display of beautiful, fragrant lilies that will be the highlight of your garden’s pond.

How to Propagate Water Lily

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot

First and foremost, you need a suitable pot for your water lily. It should be wide and shallow, similar to the ones used for bonsai trees. Ensure it is huge enough to enable room for the water lily’s rapid growth.

Fill the pot with a combination of gravel and peat moss which is excellent for aquatic plants like the water lily. Tilt the pot at a 45-degree angle—this way, the lily pads will be able to grow towards the surface of the water more effectively.

Step 2: Choose a Healthy Water Lily

Water lilies  can be found in a range of colors, from pink to yellow and everything in between.

Whether you choose a hardy or tropical water lily, or even a hybrid water lily, make sure the plant is healthy with bright, unblemished petals and leaves.

Step 3: Planting the Lily

Take your lily, either as bare-root plants or from a division, and place it gently into the pot.

Cover the roots of the plant with soil until only the crown of the plant is visible at the surface of the soil. Hardy lilies prefer a depth of 18-30 inches whilst tropical lilies prefer shallower water.

Step 4: Introduce the Lily to the Pond

Slowly lower the pot into your pond or sluggish stream, ensuring the leaves and flowers remain above the surface of the water.

In time, the lily pads will provide shelter for a host of pond life and the fragrant flowers will attract bees. Be careful to avoid putting the lily near a waterfall or in a stream as they prefer still water.

How to Pot or Repot Water Lily

Step 1: Selecting the Best Suitable Pot

Water lilies thrive best when they have room to spread, so a wide, shallow pot is usually the best choice.

While some gardeners prefer bare-root plants straight into the pond, others prefer to pot the lilies which allows for easier control over their growth and position within the water area.

The ideal pot should permit the plant to sit at a 45-degree angle, allowing the leaves to reach the surface and the flower buds to emerge freely.

Step 3: Preparation of Planting Mix

Water lilies prefer loamy soil rather than more lightweight potting mixes. Prepare a mixture of gravel and non-fertilized potting soil with peat moss.

This enhances the stable ground for the lily’s root system and helps in maintaining the health of the plant. Avoid using pesticides or other additives that could become harmful in the aquatic environment.

Step 4: Planting and Positioning

Position your water lily in the center of the pot, with the roots spread out across the surface of the soil. Carefully lay the rhizome at a 45-degree angle, ensuring its growing point – where the leaves and buds emerge – is facing upward.

This will encourage the growth of leaves and flowers to reach up towards the water’s surface.

Step 5: Submerging the Pot in Water

Now it’s time to introduce the water lily to its new home. The pot should be placed gently in the shallow end of the pond, or a slow or sluggish stream if that’s the desired location.

Alternatively, it can also be placed in man-made water ditches. Gradually, as the lily grows, the pot can be relocated to deeper water levels. However, make sure the flowers and lily pads float easily on the water surface.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Water Lily

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied pests that are often found on the underside of leaves and petals of water lilies. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves.

Aphids may also introduce harmful viruses to the plants. Be careful when applying pesticides, as they can be harmful to bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes unsightly brown spots to appear on the lily pads of the hardy and tropical water lilies.

The disease thrives in damp, humid conditions and can spread rapidly throughout your pond if not addressed promptly. The removal of affected leaves and the application of a suitable fungicide can help manage this disease.

Water Lily Beetles

Water lily beetles are notorious pests in North America that can wreak havoc on aquatic plants like water lilies. The larvae feed on the undersides of the lily pads, causing them to look skeletonized.

Moreover, they can also burrow into the plant’s stems, making the plant lose vitality and potentially die if enough damage occurs. Manual removal is the best way to control these beetle

Common Plant Problems and Solutions for Water Lily

Brown Tips on Leaves

One common problem that water lilies can face is the appearance of brown tips on their leaves. This is often due to insufficient amounts of water. The leaves of a water lily should float freely on the surface of the water, in slow streams, ditches, or ponds. If they do not have enough access to water, the tips will dry out and turn brown.

To resolve this, ensure the lilies are planted in a deep enough pot for their roots to access water constantly and make sure to maintain an adequate level of water in your pond or slow stream.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves is another common problem encountered in these aquatic plants, it may be a sign of nutrient deficiency. More often than not, this is caused by the yellow lily pads not being able to access the necessary nutrients from the soil and water.

A quick fix is to supplement the pond with a slow-release aquatic plant fertilizer. Place a little in the planting pot or surrounding gravel, then cover with the surface of the soil. Be sure to keep the fertilizer from direct contact with the roots which can potentially cause harm.

Wilted Petals on Water Lily

The pink, yellow, or white petals of the Nymphaea or water lily might wilt due to a fungal infection. The fungi are usually attracted to the damp conditions and especially love the bare-root plants, leaves, and petals of nymphaea. Applying a fungicide can help combat these fungi.

In addition, ensure the water is clean and the pond aerated to prevent fungal spores from proliferating. If possible, remove the wilted petals gently to ensure the fungi do not spread to other healthy parts of the plant.

Water Lilies Not Establishing

Sometimes water lilies might fail to establish in a pond or sluggish stream. This might be due to less than optimal plantation conditions. Ideally, water lilies should be placed in a pot with a mixture of heavy clay garden soil and a little peat moss for acidity.

A layer of gravel can also be added to prevent the soil from washing into the water. The pot should then be slowly lowered into the water, allowing air to escape and avoid the creation of a plant air-pocket ‘float’.

Once submerged, the pot should be placed where the lily leaves can reach the surface of the water with ease, ensuring not just adequate sunlight but also proper shelter.

Properly following these steps can turn any waterbody into an exceptional habitat for the stunning and fragrant water lily.

 

Other Guides from Planet Natural:

Types of Lilies: 18 Stunning Lily Species for Your Garden

A Guide to Planting and Caring for African Lily