How to Plant Bare Root Water Lily

Water lilies are beautiful aquatic flowers that thrive in ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. They are known for their stunning colors and ability to filter toxins from the water. If you have recently acquired bare root water lily, you might be wondering how to plant it properly. Don't worry! In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of planting bare root water lily.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot and Soil

The first step in planting bare root water lily is to select the right pot and soil. The pot should be at least 18 inches in diameter and 10-12 inches deep. It should also have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The perfect soil for water lilies is clay loam, which is rich in nutrients and retains water without becoming waterlogged. You can purchase clay loam soil from your local garden center or nursery.

Step 2: Fill the Pot with Soil

After selecting the right pot and soil, it is time to fill the pot with soil. Start by placing a layer of soil at the bottom of the pot. Then, take the bare root water lily and gently spread out its roots over the soil. Once the roots are in place, add more soil until the pot is about two-thirds full. Make sure to press down on the soil to remove any air pockets.

Step 3: Add Water

The next step is to add water to the pot. Fill the pot with water until it reaches about 2-3 inches from the rim. This will allow the water lily leaves to float on the surface of the water. You can use tap water, but it is best to let it sit overnight to remove any chlorine and allow it to reach room temperature.

Step 4: Place the Pot in the Sun

Water lilies need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day to grow and bloom. Therefore, it is essential to place the pot in a sunny spot. However, make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 90°F (32°C) as this can harm the plant. If the temperature is too high, you can add some shade to the pot using a floating plant cover or a shade cloth.

Step 5: Add Fertilizer

To promote healthy growth and blooming, you can add fertilizer to the water once a month during the growing season. You can use tablet fertilizers that are specifically designed for water lilies or liquid fertilizers that you mix with water. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.

Step 6: Maintain the Plant

To keep your water lily healthy and blooming, you need to maintain it regularly. This includes removing dead leaves and flowers, trimming the plant, and adding water as needed to keep the water level constant. You should also check the water quality regularly, and perform water changes if necessary to maintain proper pH and nutrient levels.

Conclusion

Planting and maintaining a bare root water lily is not difficult if you have the right tools and knowledge. Remember to choose the right pot and soil, add water and fertilizer, and maintain the plant regularly. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the beauty of water lilies in your own backyard or pond.