How do you put lilies in a pond?

Putting lilies in a pond involves several crucial steps, from selecting the right planter and soil to carefully submerging the plant in its designated spot, ensuring it thrives in its new aquatic environment.

Preparing Your Water Lily for the Pond

Before placing your water lily in the pond, proper preparation is key to its successful growth and vibrant blooms.

1. Choose the Right Planter

Water lilies perform best when planted in containers rather than directly into the pond liner. This helps control their growth, makes maintenance easier, and prevents them from taking over the pond.

• Aquatic Fabric Planters: These are often preferred as they allow for excellent water circulation and root development.
• Solid Plastic Pots: Ensure these are wide and shallow, specifically designed for aquatic plants. Avoid standard gardening pots with many drainage holes, as the soil will escape.

2. Select the Appropriate Soil

Do not use regular potting mix, which is too light and will float away. Instead, opt for a heavy, clay-based soil or specialized aquatic planting medium.

• Heavy Clay Loam: This type of soil will stay put in the water.
• Aquatic Plant Soil: Available at pond supply stores, these are formulated for water plants.
• Avoid: Peat moss, perlite, or bark chips, as they can contaminate your pond water and float.

3. Plant the Lily Rhizome

Carefully plant the water lily rhizome (the thick, fleshy root) into your chosen container.

1. Fill the planter about two-thirds full with your heavy aquatic soil.
2. Position the rhizome so that the growing tip (where the leaves emerge) is pointing towards the center of the pot or slightly upwards. For hardy lilies, place the rhizome horizontally against one side of the pot, with the growing tip pointing towards the center. For tropical lilies, plant the tuber upright in the center.
3. Gently cover the rhizome with more soil, leaving the growing tip exposed.
4. Top the soil with a layer of washed pea gravel or small river stones. This helps to keep the soil in place and prevents fish from disturbing it.

Placing the Water Lily in the Pond

Once your water lily is planted in its aquatic container, it's ready for its new home in the pond. This step requires care to ensure the plant settles properly and air pockets are released.

1. Hydrate the Planter: Before placing the waterlily in its aquatic planter into the decorative container, fill the container with water. This pre-soaking helps to saturate the soil and prevent it from clouding the pond water upon submersion.
2. Careful Submersion: Carefully place the fabric planter with your waterlily into the pond or decorative container.
3. Slow and Angled Lowering: Slowly lower it at an angle while the bubbles escape. Lowering it slowly at an angle allows trapped air to escape gradually, preventing a sudden rush of bubbles that could disturb the plant or pond sediment.
4. Achieve Optimal Depth: The ideal depth for water lilies varies depending on the type:
   • Hardy Water Lilies: Start by placing them in shallower water (around 6-12 inches deep) so the leaves can reach the surface easily. As the plant grows and establishes, you can gradually move it to deeper water, typically 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) deep. Some varieties can tolerate up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).
   • Tropical Water Lilies: These generally prefer slightly deeper water, often 1 to 2.5 feet (30-75 cm).
5. Sunlight Exposure: Ensure the lily is placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Water lilies are sun-loving plants, and insufficient light will result in fewer blooms.

Ideal Pond Placement Depths

Depths are measured from the top of the soil in the planter to the water's surface.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once your water lily is successfully planted, consistent care will ensure its continued health and beauty.

• Fertilization: Use specialized aquatic fertilizer tablets, pushing them into the soil around the rhizome every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to late summer).
• Leaf and Flower Removal: Regularly remove any yellowing leaves or spent flowers to encourage new growth and keep the pond tidy. Trim them off at the base of the stem underwater.
• Dividing: Water lilies may need to be divided every 2-3 years, or when they become too crowded in their pots, typically in spring.
• Winter Care:
  • Hardy Lilies: Can remain in the pond, as long as the rhizome is below the ice line (usually at least 1.5-2 feet deep).
  • Tropical Lilies: Must be brought indoors for winter in colder climates, or treated as annuals.

By following these steps, you can successfully introduce and maintain beautiful water lilies in your pond, adding elegance and vibrant color to your aquatic landscape.