Tips for Cultivating and Maintaining Water Lilies and Lotus Plants

Water lilies (Nymphaea) are the treasures of the aquatic realm. Alongside their close relatives, the lotus (Nelumbo), they are anchored in the soil, rising above the water’s surface, giving the impression of floating. Their blossoms are circular, featuring a central radial indentation. These plants hold significant symbolism in both ancient and contemporary cultures, admired for their elegance and captured in various forms of art and religious expressions.

Numerous varieties of water lilies and lotuses are simple to cultivate and provide gardeners with delightful and lavish flowers from June through October. The ideal time to plant both species is in the spring. Water lilies tend to establish themselves more quickly and generally exhibit a more rapid growth compared to lotuses, which are known for their slow initial growth and require warmth and abundant sunlight to bloom.

Although the majority of water lilies thrive outdoors, smaller species can be cultivated in containers inside your home. To ensure their successful growth, it is essential to offer ample light, maintain adequate water levels, and keep the water clean for both your benefit and the health of the plants.

Light

Ensure that your waterlily or lotus plant gets sufficient sunlight—aim for a minimum of four hours, though six hours or more is preferable. Certain lotus varieties may not bloom unless they are exposed to six hours of sunlight each day.

Soil

Always select topsoil that is devoid of herbicides and pesticides. Avoid using potting soil, as it contains components that may float. Ensure that the pond or containers are sufficiently spacious to accommodate the spreading of the rhizome. Since rhizomes extend along the soil surface, a broader pot is more suitable than a deeper one.

Water

Achieve a harmonious ratio between aquatic plants and the pond’s surface area, aiming for around 65 percent coverage with vegetation. Additionally, consider the depth while positioning your aquatic plants. For newly planted specimens, start by placing the pot slightly beneath the water’s surface and lower it gradually as the plant develops. Once the plant is well-established, the pot can stay at the intended depth.

If you plant hardy plants too high, they may freeze during winter, while planting them too low can hinder young plants from getting adequate sunlight. Waterlilies thrive when placed at a depth of at least four inches and no more than 18 inches beneath the surface, whereas lotus plants should be situated between six and 18 inches deep.

Heat and Moisture Levels

Lotus and hardy water lilies can withstand cold temperatures as long as their tuberous rhizomes remain unfrozen. Position the pots in a way that the soil level stays beneath the freezing point in your pond. Lotus blooms tend to appear later in the spring since they thrive in warmer conditions and will begin to grow only when the water temperature exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

To winterize tropical water lilies, remove the plant from its pot and place the rhizome in a plastic bag filled with moist sand or a combination of moist sand and peat moss, keeping it in a temperature range of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

Nourish your plants by inserting tablets into the soil surrounding them. Avoid adding fertilizer directly to the water, as this can alter the water’s pH and negatively impact both the plants and fish. Apply fertilizer to your plants on a monthly basis. Tropical waterlilies require a substantial amount of nutrients and should be fertilized abundantly during their growing season.

Varieties of Water Lilies

Waterlilies are primarily categorized into two types: hardy and tropical. Hardy varieties can endure winter conditions when planted below the frost line in a water garden, whereas tropical varieties must be either wintered indoors or treated as annuals.

Besides their ability to withstand cold temperatures, tropical water lilies have several distinct characteristics that set them apart from hardy water lilies. Tropical water lilies:

• May produce bigger blossoms.
• Possess elongated stems that elevate the flower above the water’s surface, and are generally characterized by bigger lily pads.
• Available in various colors such as blues and purples, hardy waterlilies are limited to hues of yellow, red, white, pink, and soft orange.
• Have a stronger aroma.
• They are available in both day-blooming types (diurnal) and night-blooming types (nocturnal), while hardy waterlilies exclusively bloom during the day.

Varieties of Lotus

The family Nelumbonaceae comprises two types of lotus: Nelumbo nucifera and Nelumbo lutea.

• Nucifera: This lotus species originates from the tropical areas of Australia and Asia, featuring blossoms in shades of pink or white.
• Lutea, commonly referred to as the American lotus, features yellow blossoms and is indigenous to North America, thriving in tranquil aquatic environments such as ponds, lakes, and swamps.

Pruning

Each bloom of the water lily has a lifespan of three to five days. These flowers bloom during the daytime and close up at night, except for the nocturnal varieties. After the bloom has completed its cycle, it gradually sinks beneath the water. Seed pods develop, and the mature seeds drop to the soil below. Producing seeds requires significant energy from the plant. To promote a greater number of flowers, it is advisable to remove the wilting blooms as they submerge. Trace the stem down to its base and either cut it or break it off with your fingers. Additionally, remove any dead or dying leaves in a similar fashion.

At the end of the year, lotuses will wither away. Trim them down to a few inches above the rhizome.

Cultivating Water Lilies and Lotuses

Water lilies and lotuses can be readily multiplied by splitting an established plant. Since they thrive in water, this process can be quite messy and may have an unpleasant odor. It’s advisable to carry out this task prior to their blooming period. Here’s the procedure:

1. You’ll require a sharp blade, water-friendly potting mix, and aquatic planting containers.
2. Gently take the container holding the water lilies or lotus out of the water and carefully extract the plant from its pot.
3. Remove any potting medium to reveal the root stems.
4. With a sharp knife, slice off portions of the tuber that contain a minimum of two to three buds.
5. Gently place the original plant back into its pot and gradually submerge it in the water to prevent the formation of air bubbles.
6. Gather the new divisions, transfer them into containers, and replant them according to the instructions provided in the potting and repotting section below.
7. Submerge the new plants in the water.

Planting and Transplanting Water Lilies and Lotus Flowers

To cultivate water lilies and lotus, use spacious plastic containers or baskets that are intended for aquatic plants. If needed, you can use burlap or landscape fabric to line the baskets, preventing the soil from leaking out. Alternatively, placing a few layers of newspaper at the bottom of the containers can serve the same function.

If you lack a pond, consider using a whiskey barrel or a planter as a suitable substitute for a water feature. It’s important to check the mature size of your plant prior to purchasing the container. For instance, a waterlily that expands to six feet will not flourish in a whiskey barrel or a small tub. There are numerous choices available in various colors and sizes.

Cultivating Water Lilies

The planting guidelines differ for tropical and hardy water lilies. Tropical water lilies are typically treated like annuals and are usually sold as bare-root plants. Position them in the center of a pot, ensuring the crown is slightly above the soil surface. For hardy water lilies, the rhizome should be planted at a 45-degree angle, with the growing tip directed toward the center of the pot and slightly above the soil. Finally, cover the soil with a layer of gravel or a thin layer of sand.

Cultivating Lotus

To cultivate a lotus, use a plastic pot that matches the dimensions of your water feature and the expected growth of the plant, as lotus will expand to the size of its pot. Begin by adding approximately two inches of sand, then layer two to three inches of topsoil that contains some clay. Create a shallow trench with your fingers and place the lotus tuber in the trench, ensuring the leaves are oriented upwards. Lightly cover the tuber with a small amount of soil, taking care not to compact it. Avoid harming the tuber or the runners that extend from it. Finally, fill the pot with water until the soil is thoroughly saturated with mud, ensuring there are no puddles on the surface.

Cultivating Water Lilies Indoors

Water lilies can be cultivated in containers that are just 12 inches in diameter and a minimum of nine inches in depth. Suitable options include a large salad bowl, a mixing bowl, or a small aquarium. This approach is particularly effective for tiny dwarf varieties, like Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’.

Begin with a soil-based planting medium specifically formulated for aquarium use. Rinse the medium thoroughly under running water to remove any loose soil particles. Transfer the medium into the container and plant the lily according to the provided guidelines. Gently add water to the container until it reaches a depth of approximately six inches. Position the container in a location where the lily can get a minimum of four hours of sunlight daily, or use an energy-efficient grow light if necessary.

If the plant isn’t flowering, it may not be getting sufficient light. Ensure to add water as necessary to keep the water level consistent with the plant’s preferences. During the spring and summer months, apply a small dose of liquid fertilizer designed for aquatic plants every two weeks, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate dosage.

Frequent Insects and Illnesses

Water lilies and lotus flowers are both susceptible to various pests and diseases. They can be targeted by aphids, leaf-eating insects, and even moths and worms that damage their stems and roots. It’s important to monitor the plants for any signs of distress, such as holes, spots on the leaves, or yellowing and curling foliage. If the leaves or the overall appearance of the plant seem off, it indicates that it may be facing some issues.

Aphids, beetles, midges, and China mark moths are common pests that target the foliage of water lilies. To eliminate aphids, the leaves can be submerged in water, while water lily beetles and China mark moths must be manually removed. For midges, using mosquito dunks can be effective. Water lilies are also susceptible to diseases such as crown rot and leaf spot. To manage crown rot, it’s advisable to dispose of the infected plant, while leaf spot can be addressed by trimming away the affected leaves.

Lotus plants are susceptible to aphids that feed on their foliage, and they are often accompanied by other pests, including spider mites, whiteflies, and insects that consume leaves.

Taking preventive measures is essential for the health of these plants. This involves eliminating any affected leaves and other plant sections as necessary, as well as ensuring the water remains clean and devoid of any debris.

Tips for Encouraging Water Lilies and Lotuses to Flower

Flowering Periods

Water lilies and lotuses flourish from June through October, blossoming during the summer and into the autumn.

How do Water Lilies and Lotus Flowers Appear and What Fragrance Do They Emit?

Tropical lily flowers and hardy lily flowers can be differentiated by their size, color, and growth patterns. Tropical lilies showcase rich, vibrant hues and a broader spectrum, featuring shades like pink, red, orange, blue, and purple. In contrast, hardy lilies typically display colors such as white, pink, and yellow. Tropical water lilies are generally larger, with their blossoms rising above the water on a stem, while hardy lilies rest on the water’s surface. Lotus flowers are notable for their substantial blooms, which can measure between six and twelve inches across, and they have a seed head at the center. Lotus flowers are available in pink, white, and yellow varieties.

The fragrance of water lilies and lotus flowers varies based on their color and plant species. Some emit a lemony aroma, while others are sweet, and some exude a delightful floral scent.

Ways to Promote Increased Flowering

Within three to five days of blossoming, water lily blooms will begin to submerge beneath the water. To maintain the plant, remove any spent flowers and decaying leaves by trimming the stems as low as possible beneath the water’s surface.

Frequent Issues

Below are the typical problems you might face with water lilies and lotus plants:

Twisting Golden Foliage

Aphids have the ability to feed on water lilies and lotus plants, leading to curled, yellowing leaves that may have holes. To address this issue, you can either spray the leaves thoroughly with a hose or remove the leaves that are heavily infested.

Golden Foliage

If you notice that your water lily has yellowing leaves, decaying stems, and a dark, slimy crown, it could be experiencing crown rot, a type of fungal infection. To stop it from affecting your other plants, it’s best to remove the infected specimen.

Crimson or Ashy-Brown Dots

Water lily leaves displaying red or gray-brown spots could be suffering from water lily leaf spot disease. It is advisable to remove the impacted leaves.

Do water lilies and lotus plants flower in their first year?

Water lilies and lotuses require a period to grow and develop fully. Generally, they do not produce flowers during their initial year, but you can anticipate some blooms to appear in their second year.

What is the lifespan of water lilies and lotus plants?

With appropriate care and maintenance, water lilies and lotus can thrive for as long as 20 years once they establish themselves.

Do water lilies help maintain water clarity?

Water lily pads contribute to water purification by obstructing sunlight and enhancing oxygen levels, which helps to prevent algae growth. Additionally, their roots absorb nutrients that algae would otherwise consume.