How to: Water Lily & Lotus Care
Water Lily & Lotus Care
Get the Guide: How to Care for Water Lily and Lotus
Water lilies are a delightful addition to any pond and grow in a wide variety of climates. Water lilies are surprisingly easy to grow with the main ingredients for success being sunshine and regular feeding. Water lilies fall into two categories, either Hardy (those originating from cooler climates) or Tropical (those originating from tropical or semi-tropical climates).
We've compiled a list of the main things you should know about caring for your water lillies and lotus...
Light
For maximum flowering water lilies and lotus plants require as much sunlight as possible, 6+ hours daily. Lilies won't grow in shade. Some varieties are more shade tolerant than others, however, even these will perform better in a sunny position.
Fertiliser
Fertilize Water Lilies and Lotus plants monthly during the growing season with Aquatic Fertiliser Pond Tablets to promote growth & flowering. We recommend 2 to 4 fertilizer tablets be pushed deep into the soil around each lily over their growing season (October to March).
Soil
Do not use potting soil, which has elements that will float. Use Daltons Aquatic Mix when re-potting Water Lilies, Lotus and other Aquatic Plants. Regular garden potting mix contains fertilizers that lead to toxic conditions for fish, and algae problems. The containers should be large enough to allow the rhizome room to spread. Since the rhizomes creep across the surface of the soil, a wider pot is preferable to a deeper one.
Repotting
Re-pot Water Lilies and Lotuses every 1-2 years. We have various Finofil Aquatic Pot shapes and sizes available. Late winter to early spring is the best time to repot your lillies and lotuses as they are still dormant.
Living with Fish
Living with koi and goldfish. Goldfish are not normally a problem with lotus and water lily. Larger koi can disturb the soil, and even pick on the floating leaves. We generally recommend using enough plants in a koi pond that koi do not focus all their energy on just a few plants, and that usually works. You can also place the pots close to the surface and place rocks on the soil that are too large for the koi to move easily. For extremely large and determined koi, rocking off a corner for the lotus will work.
Pruning
Each flower on the water lily lasts three to five days. They open during the day and close at night (unless they are nocturnal). Once the flower is finished, it will slowly sink into the water. Seed pods form, and the ripe seeds fall into the soil below. Seed production is costly to the plant. To ensure many blooms, cut the dying flowers as they sink below the surface. Follow the stem down as far as it goes; either cut it or snap it off with your fingers. Also, clean off dead or dying leaves in the same manner. Lotuses die back at the end of the year. Cut them down to a few inches above the rhizome (the main stem of the plant).
Pond Conditions
Strike a balance between plants and the surface area of the pond; plants should cover approximately 65 percent of the surface area. Also pay attention to depth when you are planting your aquatic plants. With new plantings, initially place the pot just below the surface and gradually lower it as the plant grows. Once the plant is established, the pot can remain at the desired depth.
Keep Water Lilies away from moving, rippling and splashing water.
If you enjoyed this guide, you may also enjoy:
- How to: Pot Water Lilies
- Water Lilies and Lotus: Enhancing your Water Garden
- Guide to Aquatic Plants