How to Plant Water Lilies in Water

Water lilies are often a desirable addition to a garden pond or water feature due to their beautiful bloom and ability to provide shade and shelter for aquatic life. Planting water lilies in water may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be easily done. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully plant water lilies in water.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step in planting water lilies is to choose the right location. Water lilies require plenty of sunlight to bloom, so it is important to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, the water must be deep enough to allow the lily pads to float on the surface, which typically requires a water depth of at least 12 to 18 inches.

Step 2: Add Nutrient-Rich Soil

Water lilies require nutrient-rich soil to grow and bloom correctly. You can use a special potting mix designed for aquatic plants or create your own by mixing sand, topsoil, and compost. Avoid using any type of potting soil that contains peat moss as it can cloud the water and harm aquatic life.

Step 3: Choose a Container

Once you have prepared the soil, you need to choose a container to plant the water lily in. You can use a plastic or clay pot that has holes drilled into the bottom to allow water to circulate. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the size of the lily, with at least 10 inches in diameter and eight inches in depth.

Step 4: Plant the Water Lily

Place the pot in the desired location in the water and fill it about halfway with the nutrient-rich soil. Gently place the water lily on top of the soil, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with the top of the soil. Fill the remaining space with soil, leaving a small amount of space at the top of the pot to allow for watering.

Step 5: Add Gravel to the Top

To help keep the soil in place and prevent it from floating away, add a layer of gravel to the top of the soil. The gravel will also help to create a natural-looking appearance.

Step 6: Submerge the Pot in Water

Finally, gently submerge the pot in the desired location in the water, ensuring that it is deep enough for the lily pads to float on the surface. You may need to adjust the water level to achieve the correct depth. Additionally, you may need to anchor the pot in place using rocks or bricks to prevent it from floating away.

In conclusion, planting water lilies in water is a relatively simple process, requiring only a few tools and some preparation. By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of water lilies in your garden pond or water feature.