General
information for planting and growing Water Lily Rhizomes
Receipt of Shipment:
If possible, plant the lily rhizomes on arrival or soon thereafter. If
the rhizomes are to be stored for up to 1 week, they can be kept in the
original box at a temperature of about 40ºF/5ºC. To store for a longer
time, the rhizomes should be unpacked and covered with damp peat moss.
Alternatively, the rhizomes can be floated in water in the shade.
Pots:
The larger the pot - the higher the quality of the plant produced and
the final customer can simply place the pot in his pond without needing
to transplant the lily. However, commercial considerations and transport
costs may dictate a smaller pot. The pot size should be at least 8"/20
cm in diameter by 6.5"/16 cm deep. It is not necessary to plant water
lilies in a specialty mesh 'water lily pot'. Standard black plastic
nursery pots, either 2 gallon shorts or 3 gallon tubs, are perfectly
suitable for water lilies.
Soil,
water and fertilization:
Use commercially available aquatic soil or a heavy soil with a high
percentage of clay. Fertilization depends on the kind of soil and water
used. Use slow release aquatic plant fertilizers, taking into
consideration your own special growing conditions.
Planting:
Elongated rhizomes (Odorata and Tuberosa types) should generally be
planted at a 40 degree angle from the horizontal. Marliac type rhizomes
should be planted at about 70 degrees (almost vertically), while
“Pineapple” types should be planted vertically. The crown should always
be just above the soil surface. A layer of gravel on top of the soil
following planting can prevent the soil from floating. The pot can be
placed in the tank or pond before the water is filled up very slowly -
so that the soil has a chance to settle down. Alternatively, you can
completely wet the soil after the planting and then slowly lower it into
the filled tank.
Water
Level:
The leaf stems of lilies adjust themselves to the water level. If the
level is too low, the leaf stems will be short, thick and stiff. If it
is too high, the stems will grow too long and the leaves of adjoining
lilies can get entangled. We recommend starting with a low water level -
about 4”/10 cm above the soil surface. This will induce quicker leaf
development. The level can be raised gradually over the weeks depending
on leaf growth until you reach a level compatible with the stem length
you require for your needs.
Water
Circulation:
Water lilies will grow in standing water. A slow circulation or partial
replacement of water can improve growth conditions, especially in
summer. Avoid rapid circulation and splashing caused by waterfalls or
fountains.
Water
Temperature:
We recommend placing the potted water lilies in a sunny cold-frame or
heated greenhouse after planting. A water temperature of about
77ºF/25ºC, is optimal for the rapid growth of newly planted lilies, but
this may not be desirable in the early spring months. A daytime
greenhouse temperature of 70ºF/21ºC will generally produce a fully
developed water lily in 6 - 8 weeks. By controlling water temperature,
you can delay or accelerate growth, but this is not usually necessary
and you can allow nature to do this. However, rhizomes received after
1st June should be in water at 77ºF/25ºC, or warmer.
Algae:
Algae usually doesn't form in ponds or tanks with lots of developed
water lilies since the
lily pads prevent light from penetrating the water. It's common to
notice an algae bloom in spring before the water lilies and other pond
plants have begun to grow.
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